Cast
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Warren William
as Kurt Anderson
Loretta Young
as Madeleine Walters West
Wallace Ford
as Martin West
Alice White
as Polly Dale
Hale Hamilton
as Commodore Franklin Monroe
Albert Gran
as Denton Ross
Marjorie Gateson
as Mrs. Hickox
Ruth Donnelly
as Miss Hall, Anderson's secretary
Frank Reicher
as Garfinkle
Charles Sellon
as Arnold Higgins
Allen Jenkins
as Sweeney, store detective (uncredited)
Sam McDaniel
as Janitor at Hotel Balken (uncredited)
Berton Churchill
as Bradford (uncredited)
Oscar Apfel
as Board of Directors Member #5 (uncredited)
Helene Chadwick
as Attendee at Meeting of Department Heads (uncredited)
Crew
Director
- Roy Del Ruth
Producer
- Lucien Hubbard
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
As a dramatic work, Employees' Entrance 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 Roy Del Ruth 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 1933, 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 Employees' Entrance took approximately 3 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 75 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 134 minutes long.
- The director insisted on using practical effects whenever possible, reserving CGI for only the most necessary scenes.
- The costume department created over 402 unique costume pieces for the production.
- Some visual effects sequences took up to 3 months to complete.
Historical Context
- In 1933, when this film was released:
- Rock and roll music was revolutionizing popular culture.
- The civil rights movement was gaining momentum in the United States.
- The film industry was dominated by major studios, with independent cinema still in its early development.
How This Film Stands Out
While Employees' Entrance shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike Dragons Forever, which takes a more conventional approach to its subject matter, Employees' Entrance subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.
While films like Mannequin and Children of Pleasure explore similar territory, Employees' Entrance stands apart through its deeper exploration of its central themes and more complex characterization.
This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its thoughtful balance of entertainment value and thematic depth, making it a valuable addition to its genre.
Details
- Release Date: February 11, 1933
- Runtime: 1h 15m
