Cast
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George Bancroft
as Brock Trumbull
Frances Dee
as Ann Trumbull
Robert Ames
as Joe Warren
Juliette Compton
as Paula Norcross
David Durand
as Brock Junior
Dorothy Peterson
as Katherine Trumbull
Harry Allen
as McWylie
Gilbert Emery
as Kincaid
Guy Oliver
as Dayton
Anne Shirley
as Anne, as a child
George MacFarlane
as Marston
William Arnold
as
Wilfred Lucas
as
Crew
Director
- John Cromwell
Writer
- Grover Jones
- Edward E. Paramore Jr.
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
As a dramatic work, Rich Man's Folly 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 John Cromwell 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 Rich Man's Folly took approximately 18 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 80 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 109 minutes long.
- The costume department created over 458 unique costume pieces for the production.
- The musical score contains over 78 unique compositions.
- The cast underwent specialized training for 7 weeks before filming began.
Historical Context
- In 1931, when this film was released:
- Television was becoming a dominant form of home entertainment.
- Rock and roll music was revolutionizing popular culture.
- The film industry was dominated by major studios, with independent cinema still in its early development.
How This Film Stands Out
While Rich Man's Folly shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike People in the Summer Night, which focuses more on action than character development, Rich Man's Folly offers a fresh perspective through its innovative visual language and narrative structure.
While films like Smilla's Sense of Snow and Nineteen Eighty-Four explore similar territory, Rich Man's Folly stands apart through its distinctive directorial vision and pacing.
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: November 14, 1931
- Runtime: 1h 20m
