History's Best Selling Movies of 1934

Hats off to 1934! Few movies commanded as much fanfare and nationwide excitement as The House of Rothschild. Alongside sensationally popular hits like It Happened One Night and Wonder Bar, consumers eagerly embraced the swell Yankee ingenuity and home-front craftsmanship. Pioneering outfits from industry leaders like Alfred L. Werker and Frank Capra set the standard for quality, producing celebrated items that swept main street from coast to coast as genuine top-flight hits. Browse our definitive retrospective below to rediscover the genuine articles of the era.

1. The House of Rothschild

   Released in 1934 by Alfred L. Werker, 20th Century Pictures

   On January 2, 1934, in the midst of the Great Depression, the historical drama "The House of Rothschild" premiered in New York City. Produced by the fledgling studio 20th Century Pictures, the film was a lavish biographical epic that arrived as a major prestige picture. Its release during this period was significant, as audiences craved stories of monumental success and overcoming adversity. The film chronicled the rise of the famous European Jewish banking dynasty, presenting a narrative of genius and perseverance against a backdrop of widespread antisemitism. For its studio, its star George Arliss, and its audience, the film was a major event that would ultimately earn both acclaim and controversy.

2. It Happened One Night

   Released in 1934 by Frank Capra, Columbia Pictures

   On February 23, 1934, the romantic comedy 'It Happened One Night' opened to audiences across North America, a date that would quietly mark the beginning of a cinematic phenomenon. Initially, no one, including its stars or director, anticipated the film's monumental success. It defied low expectations to become a sleeper hit, captivating Depression-era audiences with its witty script and undeniable chemistry between its leads. This release date is particularly special as it set the stage for a film that would not only break box office records for its distributor, Columbia Pictures, but also achieve an unprecedented feat at the Academy Awards, forever cementing its place in Hollywood history.

3. Wonder Bar

   Released in 1934 by Lloyd Bacon, Warner Bros.

   March 2, 1934, marked the dazzling premiere of 'Wonder Bar,' a film that swept audiences into a world of opulent escapism and daring narratives just as the Great Depression continued its grip. This star-studded musical, a veritable feast for the senses, offered more than just lavish song and dance; it presented a complex tapestry of human desires and hidden lives within the confines of a glamorous Parisian nightclub. Its initial launch immediately captured attention, not only for its spectacle but also for its audacious themes, quickly establishing it as a commercial success and a memorable entry in the pre-Code era of Hollywood cinema. The date signifies the moment this vibrant, often controversial, film first showcased its unique blend of melodrama and musical artistry to the American public, setting a high bar for entertainment and controversy alike.

4. Here Comes the Navy

   Released in 1934 by Lloyd Bacon, Warner Bros.

   On July 21, 1934, Warner Bros. launched 'Here Comes the Navy' onto the silver screen, marking the original premiere date for this high-spirited nautical comedy-drama. Released during the throes of the Great Depression, the film provided much-needed escapism and proved to be a significant commercial success for the studio. It capitalized on the burgeoning star power of James Cagney and Pat O'Brien, offering audiences a thrilling blend of action, romance, and humor set against the backdrop of the U.S. Navy. Its release wasn't just another movie premiere; it was an event that cemented Cagney's versatility beyond his gangster roles and delivered solid box office performance, becoming a memorable entry in 1930s Hollywood cinema.

5. Treasure Island

   Released in 1934 by Victor Fleming, Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer

   The swashbuckling adventure of Robert Louis Stevenson's classic novel first captivated American audiences on August 8, 1934, with the premiere of Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer's "Treasure Island." This landmark adaptation marked a significant cinematic event during the Golden Age of Hollywood, bringing the beloved tale of pirates, hidden treasure, and coming-of-age to the big screen with unprecedented scope and star power. Its release was a much-anticipated spectacle, promising escapism and excitement in the midst of the Great Depression, and it quickly established itself as a definitive cinematic interpretation of Stevenson's enduring masterpiece.

6. Chained

   Released in 1934 by Clarence Brown, Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer

   On August 31, 1934, Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer unveiled "Chained," a captivating pre-Code romantic drama that quickly established itself as a commercial triumph. This date marked the highly anticipated debut of Joan Crawford in a role that solidified her status as a leading lady of passion and glamour. The film's compelling narrative, coupled with its star power, resonated deeply with audiences navigating the complexities of the Great Depression, offering an opulent escape and a morally ambiguous story that captivated millions. Its immediate success underscored MGM's prowess in delivering star-driven melodramas that offered both entertainment and escapism, making its premiere a significant moment in Hollywood's golden age.

7. The Barretts of Wimpole Street

   Released in 1934 by George Cukor, Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer

   The premiere of "The Barretts of Wimpole Street" on September 21, 1934, marked a significant moment for MGM and for lovers of classic romantic dramas. This highly anticipated adaptation of Rudolf Besier's acclaimed play brought literary romance to the silver screen with a stellar cast and meticulous production. Far from being just another period piece, its debut captivated audiences, offering a poignant and dramatic exploration of love defying patriarchal oppression. Its immediate success at the box office reaffirmed the power of well-crafted adaptations and proved that sophisticated narratives could draw massive crowds even during the Great Depression, establishing it as a critical and commercial triumph that resonates as a landmark film from Hollywood's Golden Age.

8. Judge Priest

   Released in 1934 by John Ford, Fox Film Corporation

   On September 28, 1934, audiences across America first experienced 'Judge Priest', a cinematic gem that captivated the nation during the Great Depression. This release date marked the grand premiere of a film that would quickly become a beloved classic, solidifying Will Rogers' status as a superstar and further cementing John Ford's reputation as a masterful storyteller. Grossing a significant $1,176,000 at the box office, it was a crucial hit for Fox Film Corporation, offering much-needed escapism and heartwarming Americana to millions. This date wasn't just a film premiere; it was the unveiling of a cultural touchstone that resonated deeply with the spirit of its time.

9. Kid Millions

   Released in 1934 by Roy Del Ruth, United Artists

   On December 16, 1934, audiences eagerly awaited the premiere of 'Kid Millions,' a lavish musical comedy starring the immensely popular Eddie Cantor. Released during the Great Depression, this film offered a much-needed escape, combining Cantor's signature humor and musical talent with extravagant production numbers. The movie quickly became a box office success, capturing the hearts of millions and solidifying its place as a significant release of the era. Its grand scale and innovative use of early Technicolor in a spectacular ice cream factory sequence made this date a landmark moment in cinematic entertainment, promising joy and fantasy to a nation seeking respite.

10. Forsaking All Others

    Released in 1934 by W.S. Van Dyke, Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer

    On December 21, 1934, Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer unleashed 'Forsaking All Others' upon an eagerly awaiting public, a sparkling romantic comedy that captivated audiences just as the holiday season began. This star-studded affair, featuring the magnetic trio of Joan Crawford, Clark Gable, and Robert Montgomery, quickly became a box office triumph, drawing crowds with its engaging love triangle and witty script. Its premiere date marked the debut of a film that perfectly encapsulated the glamour and escapism Hollywood offered during the Great Depression, proving to be a significant moneymaker for MGM and a memorable entry in the filmographies of its legendary cast. The film's robust commercial performance underscored its immediate appeal and cemented its status as a notable romantic comedy of its era.