Step into the glamorous world of 1930s New York society with “The Rich Are Always with Us,” a captivating pre-Code romantic drama from 1932, now beautifully colorized for a viewing experience like never before. This film, directed by Alfred E. Green, delivers a sophisticated blend of romance, wit, and social commentary as it follows the romantic entanglements of the upper crust during the early years of the Great Depression. Perfect for classic film enthusiasts and those seeking a taste of Hollywood’s pre-Code era, this HD download brings a star-studded gem of cinematic history to your screen.
“The Rich Are Always with Us” centers on Caroline Grannard (Ruth Chatterton), a wealthy New York socialite whose seemingly perfect marriage to stockbroker Greg (John Miljan) crumbles when she discovers his affair with Allison Adair (Adrienne Dore). With remarkable poise, Caroline agrees to a divorce and retreats to Paris to recover.
Enter Julian Tierney (George Brent), a novelist and war correspondent who has long harbored feelings for Caroline. As Julian pursues her, Caroline must navigate her lingering attachment to Greg, her growing affection for Julian, and the machinations of those around her, including the flirtatious Malbro (Bette Davis) who has set her sights on Julian.
The film masterfully weaves together themes of love, loyalty, and the sometimes-suffocating nature of high society. It paints a vivid picture of a world where wit is currency and scandal is always just around the corner, all while exploring the changing nature of marriage and romance in the early 1930s.
“The Rich Are Always with Us” features a cast of Hollywood luminaries:
Ruth Chatterton as Caroline Grannard
George Brent as Julian Tierney
Bette Davis as Malbro
John Miljan as Greg Grannard
Adrienne Dore as Allison Adair
John Wray as Clark Davis
Robert Warwick as The Doctor
Walter Walker as Dante
Berton Churchill as Judge Bradshaw
“The Rich Are Always with Us” is a pre-Code romantic drama that seamlessly blends elements of comedy, romance, and social commentary. Its witty dialogue, complex characters, and exploration of adult themes make it a quintessential example of sophisticated pre-Code cinema.
Released in 1932, “The Rich Are Always with Us” represents the height of Hollywood’s pre-Code era, a period before strict censorship guidelines were enforced. This allowed for more mature themes and frank discussions of topics like divorce, adultery, and sexuality, evident in the film’s candid treatment of marital infidelity and romantic entanglements.
The film also serves as an interesting counterpoint to the harsh realities of the Great Depression. While millions of Americans were struggling with unemployment and poverty, “The Rich Are Always with Us” offered a glimpse into the lives of those seemingly untouched by economic hardship. This escapist quality may have been part of its appeal to audiences of the time, allowing them to momentarily forget their troubles and indulge in the glamour and wit of high society.
This colorized version of “The Rich Are Always with Us” has been meticulously restored using state-of-the-art digital techniques. The process involved carefully analyzing the original black and white footage and assigning appropriate colors to each scene, bringing new life to the lavish 1930s fashions, elegant interiors, and the star-studded cast.
The colorization enhances the visual splendor of the film’s high-society setting, from the glittering jewelry to the luxurious homes of New York’s elite. It allows modern viewers to fully appreciate the film’s production design and costume work, which were integral to establishing its world of wealth and sophistication.
Director: Alfred E. Green
Screenplay: Austin Parker
Based on: the novel by Ethel Pettit
Cinematography: Ernest Haller
Edited by: Howard Bretherton
Production Company: First National Pictures
Distributed by: Warner Bros.
Runtime: 71 minutes
Download Format: MP4
Resolution: HD (1080p)
Compatibility: Compatible with most devices, including smartphones, tablets, computers, and smart TVs.
“The Rich Are Always with Us” was well-received upon its release, praised for its witty dialogue and sophisticated treatment of adult themes. Modern critics continue to appreciate the film for its pre-Code frankness and the strong performances of its cast, particularly Ruth Chatterton’s nuanced portrayal of Caroline.
The film is now considered a fine example of pre-Code Hollywood, appreciated for its mature handling of relationships and its glimpse into the world of 1930s high society. Its exploration of divorce, adultery, and the changing nature of marriage continues to resonate with modern audiences, offering insights into the social mores of the era.
Q: What makes “The Rich Are Always with Us” a pre-Code film?
A: Its frank treatment of adultery, divorce, and sexuality, which would have been censored under later production codes.
Q: Who are the main stars of “The Rich Are Always with Us”?
A: The film stars Ruth Chatterton as Caroline Grannard and George Brent as Julian Tierney.
Q: Is Bette Davis a main character in this film?
A: While Bette Davis appears in the film as Malbro, it’s a supporting role. This was early in her career before she became a leading lady.
Q: How does the film relate to the Great Depression?
A: While set during the early years of the Depression, the film focuses on wealthy characters largely untouched by economic hardship, offering escapism for contemporary audiences.
Q: What is the significance of the film’s title?
A: The title ironically comments on the persistence of wealth and class distinctions, even in times of economic turmoil.
Experience the Wit and Glamour of “The Rich Are Always with Us” Today!