Cast
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Sylvia Sidney
as Rose Maurrant
William Collier Jr.
as Sam Kaplan
Estelle Taylor
as Mrs. Anna Maurrant
Beulah Bondi
as Emma Jones
David Landau
as Mr. Frank Maurrant
Matt McHugh
as Vincent Jones
Russell Hopton
as Steve Sankey
Greta Granstedt
as Mae Jones
Eleanor Wesselhoeft
as Marguerite 'Greta' Fiorentino
John Qualen
as Karl Olsen (as John M. Qualen)
Allen Fox
as Dick McGann (as Allan Fox)
Nora Cecil
as Alice Simpson - Welfare Worker
Margaret Robertson
as Minor Role
Walter James
as Police Marshal James Henry
Max Montor
as Abe Kaplan
Crew
Director
- King Vidor
Producer
- Samuel Goldwyn
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
As a dramatic work, Street Scene examines complex human relationships and emotional struggles against the backdrop of a period setting that reflects societal issues of its time. The character development particularly stands out, offering viewers a chance to reflect on their own life journeys.
Director King Vidor brings their distinctive visual style to this film, continuing their exploration of themes seen in their previous works while adding new elements. Their approach to character development and emotional depth creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.
Released in 1931, the film exists within a cultural context that now offers viewers historical perspective on the social issues of that era. Its reception demonstrates the diverse reactions to its artistic choices and its place in cinema history.
Did You Know?
- The production of Street Scene took approximately 33 months from pre-production to final cut.
- With a budget of $0.6 million, the film represented a significant investment in bringing this story to the screen.
- The final cut of the film runs for 78 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 135 minutes long.
- Several scenes were filmed in multiple locations to capture the perfect setting.
- The cast underwent specialized training for 7 weeks before filming began.
- The costume department created over 319 unique costume pieces for the production.
Historical Context
- In 1931, when this film was released:
- The civil rights movement was gaining momentum in the United States.
- Television was becoming a dominant form of home entertainment.
- The film industry was dominated by major studios, with independent cinema still in its early development.
How This Film Stands Out
While Street Scene shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike The Funeral, which focuses more on action than character development, Street Scene offers a fresh perspective through its innovative visual language and narrative structure.
While films like Dragons Forever and Honey explore similar territory, Street Scene stands apart through its deeper exploration of its central themes and more complex characterization.
This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its bold artistic choices and willingness to challenge viewer expectations, making it a valuable addition to its genre.
Details
- Release Date: September 5, 1931
- Runtime: 1h 18m
- Budget: $584,000
Where to Watch
