History's Best Selling Products of 1931

Hats off to 1931! Few items commanded as much fanfare and nationwide excitement as The Man Who Came Back. Alongside sensationally popular hits like Cimarron and City Lights, consumers eagerly embraced the swell Yankee ingenuity and home-front craftsmanship. Pioneering outfits from industry leaders like Raoul Walsh and Wesley Ruggles 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 Man Who Came Back

   Released in 1931 by Raoul Walsh, Fox Film Corporation

   On January 15, 1931, Fox Film Corporation unveiled 'The Man Who Came Back' to audiences, marking another entry into the burgeoning sound era of Hollywood. This release was significant not for breaking box office records, but for presenting a familiar dramatic narrative with a popular leading duo, Charles Farrell and Janet Gaynor, in a full 'talkie' format. As the film premiered, it offered a glimpse into the evolving landscape of cinema, showcasing the industry's continued efforts to adapt stage plays for the screen while leveraging established star power. This particular date solidified the film's place as a testament to the period's dramatic conventions and technological advancements, providing entertainment in a rapidly changing world of motion pictures.

2. Cimarron

   Released in 1931 by Wesley Ruggles, RKO Radio Pictures

   The premiere of 'Cimarron' on January 26, 1931, marked a significant moment in early sound cinema, introducing audiences to an epic Western saga that would go on to win the Academy Award for Best Picture. This RKO Radio Pictures production captivated viewers with its sweeping portrayal of American expansion, garnering considerable attention and solidifying its place in film history. The film, which debuted in Los Angeles before its wider release, quickly drew crowds, signaling its potential to become a major cinematic event. Despite facing the economic challenges of the Great Depression era, 'Cimarron' demonstrated the enduring appeal of grand storytelling and adventurous narratives, proving that audiences were eager for large-scale spectacles even in difficult times. Its immediate impact highlighted the power of an ambitious cinematic vision.

3. City Lights

   Released in 1931 by Charlie Chaplin

   On January 30, 1931, against the overwhelming tide of sound pictures, Charlie Chaplin debuted his silent masterpiece, *City Lights*. The world premiere was held at the Los Angeles Theatre and was a star-studded event, famously attended by Albert Einstein as Chaplin's guest of honor. This date marks the public's first exposure to a film that was a tremendous gamble. Chaplin invested his own money and spent nearly three years crafting it, stubbornly refusing to incorporate spoken dialogue despite the industry's complete shift to "talkies." The film's immediate critical and commercial success from this day forward validated his artistic vision and proved the universal power of his Little Tramp character.

4. Trader Horn

   Released in 1931 by W. S. Van Dyke, Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer

   On January 30, 1931, audiences in New York City experienced the thrilling debut of 'Trader Horn,' a landmark adventure film that plunged viewers deep into the wilds of East Africa. This premiere wasn't just another movie launch; it marked a significant moment for Hollywood's early sound era, showcasing unparalleled on-location shooting and a daring vision. As one of the first films to brave the logistical challenges of filming in a truly exotic foreign locale, 'Trader Horn' immediately captured public imagination, becoming a significant box office success for Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer during the trying years of the Great Depression. Its release heralded a new frontier for cinematic realism and epic storytelling.

5. The Good Earth

   Released in 1931 by Pearl S. Buck, John Day Company

   When 'The Good Earth' launched in 1931, it wasn't just a book; it was a literary comet streaking across the American cultural landscape. Published amidst the Great Depression, Pearl S. Buck's epic tale of Chinese peasant life offered an exotic yet profoundly human narrative that captivated readers from all walks of life. Its immediate and overwhelming success transformed it into a genuine cultural phenomenon, dominating bestseller lists and earning critical acclaim. The novel's stark realism, combined with its deeply empathetic portrayal of human resilience, struck a powerful chord, making it an instant classic and a must-read for the decade.

6. A Connecticut Yankee

   Released in 1931 by David Butler, Fox Film Corporation

   The movie 'A Connecticut Yankee' launched on April 8, 1931, marking a significant moment for early sound cinema. This date brought Mark Twain's classic satirical novel to life on the big screen with musical numbers and the beloved star power of American humorist Will Rogers. Released by Fox Film Corporation during the challenging economic climate of the Great Depression, the film proved to be a substantial box office hit, captivating audiences with its unique blend of humor, fantasy, and music. Its premiere signaled a successful blend of literary adaptation and the burgeoning 'talkie' format, solidifying its place as a notable film from its era and allowing the public to experience this imaginative journey back in time, amplified by sound and song.

7. M

   Released in 1931 by Fritz Lang, Thea von Harbou, Nero-Film AG

   On May 11, 1931, German cinema reached a new zenith with the premiere of Fritz Lang's "M" in Berlin. Lang's first sound film, "M" was a chilling and psychologically complex thriller that transcended the crime genre to become a profound commentary on society, justice, and human nature. Released during the fragile and politically charged era of the Weimar Republic, just before the rise of the Nazi party, the film's depiction of a city gripped by fear and paranoia resonated deeply with contemporary audiences. The film's premiere was a landmark event, showcasing the artistic potential of the new "talkie" medium and establishing technical and narrative conventions that would influence filmmakers for generations to come, particularly in the thriller and film noir genres.

8. Bad Girl

   Released in 1931 by Frank Borzage, Fox Film Corporation

   The cinematic landscape of 1931 was forever changed on August 13 when Fox Film Corporation released "Bad Girl." This poignant romantic drama, helmed by the acclaimed Frank Borzage, captivated audiences with its honest portrayal of young love and the challenges of early marriage, including an unplanned pregnancy. Marking its world theatrical premiere, "Bad Girl" became an immediate box office success, a crucial achievement during the Great Depression. Its ability to connect with audiences on a deeply emotional level, coupled with strong performances and sensitive direction, propelled it to earn a significant $1.1 million against a modest budget. The film’s launch date signifies the beginning of its journey to critical acclaim and popular adoration, cementing its place as a significant work in early sound cinema.

9. Finger Paint

   Released in 1931 by Ruth Faison Shaw

   On September 2, 1931, American educator Ruth Faison Shaw filed a patent application for a novel artistic medium she called 'Finger Paint.' This date marks the official beginning of a creative revolution in early childhood education. Shaw had developed the non-toxic, colorful paste while running her own school in Rome, Italy, seeking a therapeutic tool for her students to express themselves without the inhibition of brushes or other implements. The patent filing was a crucial step in transforming her educational method into a universally accessible product, laying the groundwork for a partnership with Binney & Smith (the makers of Crayola) that would place this unique sensory experience into the hands of millions of children across the globe.

10. Palmy Days

    Released in 1931 by A. Edward Sutherland, United Artists

    November 14, 1931, marked the dazzling premiere of 'Palmy Days,' a musical comedy that brought the irrepressible energy of Eddie Cantor to the silver screen during the nascent era of talkies. This date unleashed a cinematic spectacle, blending Cantor's signature humor with lavish production numbers choreographed by the legendary Busby Berkeley. Released by United Artists, the film quickly became a much-needed box office success amidst the grim backdrop of the Great Depression, generating approximately $1.6 million. Its launch was more than just a movie debut; it was a significant event for early sound cinema, solidifying Eddie Cantor's status as a major star and showcasing innovative musical staging that would define a genre.

11. Possessed

    Released in 1931 by Clarence Brown, Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer

    November 21, 1931, marked the dazzling debut of 'Possessed,' a quintessential pre-Code drama that captivated audiences with its daring narrative and the magnetic pairing of Joan Crawford and Clark Gable. This date ushered in a box office success story, generating an impressive $1,030,000 against a modest budget, a substantial sum for the Great Depression era. The film's premiere was not just another movie release; it was a cultural event, solidifying the star power of its leads and affirming Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer's prowess in crafting compelling, sophisticated adult entertainment. Its bold exploration of social mobility and forbidden romance ensured it instantly became a topic of widespread discussion, making this release date a significant moment in early Hollywood history.

12. Arrowsmith

    Released in 1931 by John Ford, United Artists

    On December 10, 1931, the cinematic adaptation of Sinclair Lewis's acclaimed novel, 'Arrowsmith,' premiered, marking a significant moment in early sound film history. Released by United Artists during the throes of the Great Depression, this prestigious production stood out as a beacon of quality and intellectual depth. Its launch was met with widespread critical praise, establishing it as a serious contender in the awards season and a commercially successful venture for its time, pulling in an impressive $1,250,000 at the box office in the US and Canada. This date represents the debut of a compelling narrative that brought complex ethical and scientific themes to the silver screen.

13. Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde

    Released in 1931 by Rouben Mamoulian, Paramount Pictures

    On December 31, 1931, the cinematic world was introduced to a new level of psychological horror with the premiere of Rouben Mamoulian's 'Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde.' This date marked the debut of one of the most iconic horror films of the pre-Code era, solidifying its place in film history and terrifying audiences with its innovative special effects and groundbreaking performance by Fredric March. While exact record-breaking box office figures are scarce for this period, the film's strong commercial performance and critical acclaim immediately established it as a major success for Paramount Pictures, setting a high bar for adaptations of Robert Louis Stevenson's classic novella and influencing countless horror films to follow. The film's impact was instantaneous, cementing this date as a pivotal moment in the horror genre.

14. A White Bird Flying

    Released in 1931 by Bess Streeter Aldrich, D. Appleton and Company

    A White Bird Flying emerged in 1931, a challenging year deep within the Great Depression, offering readers a much-needed sense of hope and continuity. Bess Streeter Aldrich, already a beloved chronicler of American heartland life, delivered a story that quickly soared to the top of bestseller lists. Its immediate popularity wasn't just due to Aldrich's established readership; the novel resonated deeply with a public yearning for stories of resilience, family values, and the quiet pursuit of personal dreams amidst societal turmoil. It became a cultural touchstone, celebrating the enduring spirit of the American individual during a period of widespread hardship and uncertainty.

15. Back Street

    Released in 1931 by Fannie Hurst, Cosmopolitan Book Corporation

    Back Street exploded onto the literary scene in 1931, quickly cementing its place as one of the year's top-selling novels. Penned by the immensely popular Fannie Hurst, a master storyteller known for her poignant portrayals of women's lives, the book offered an engrossing, often heartbreaking, narrative that resonated deeply with a Depression-era public hungry for emotional escapism and reflections of societal constraints. Its immediate success wasn't merely a testament to Hurst's established readership; it was a cultural phenomenon, sparking conversations about love, sacrifice, and the hidden lives many women were forced to lead in a restrictive society, making it an essential read during a tumultuous time.

16. Battleship

    Released in 1931 by Starex

    The year 1931 marked a significant turning point for a popular WWI-era paper-and-pencil game, as the Starex company officially launched 'Salvo,' the first commercial board game version of what we now know as Battleship. This groundbreaking release brought the thrill of naval combat strategy from handwritten grids to a mass-produced format, making strategic warfare accessible to families. Its intuitive yet challenging gameplay, requiring both logic and a bit of luck, quickly captivated players. The game's novelty, combining a simple premise with engaging competition, made it an instant hit and paved the way for its eventual global phenomenon status, solidifying its place in toy history long before its most famous plastic iteration.

17. Grand Hotel

    Released in 1931 by Vicki Baum, Doubleday, Doran & Co.

    Step into the opulent, yet precarious, world of the Grand Hotel, Vicki Baum's literary masterpiece that stormed the bestseller lists in 1931. This novel was more than just a story; it was a cultural phenomenon, captivating readers during the tumultuous years of the Great Depression. Its intricate web of intersecting lives within the lavish confines of a Berlin hotel offered a potent blend of escapism and stark realism. As the #4 Bestselling Novel of 1931, 'Grand Hotel' provided a vibrant window into human nature, showcasing how fate and circumstance intertwine, making it an instant and enduring sensation.

18. Shadows on the Rock

    Released in 1931 by Willa Cather, Alfred A. Knopf

    Shadows on the Rock emerged as a literary sensation in 1931, captivating readers amidst the deepening Great Depression. Willa Cather's historical novel quickly ascended to the second spot on Publishers Weekly's bestseller list, offering a serene counterpoint to the era's anxieties. Its meticulous portrayal of 17th-century Quebec, coupled with Cather's lyrical prose, provided a much-needed escape and a sense of enduring human spirit. The book's immediate popularity underscored a public hunger for stories rooted in tradition and quiet resilience, distinguishing it as a significant cultural touchstone during a tumultuous period in American history. Cather's ability to imbue the past with such vivid, comforting detail made it an instant favorite, solidifying her reputation further.

19. The Epic of America

    Released in 1931 by James Truslow Adams, Little, Brown and Company

    The Epic of America, published in 1931 by the esteemed historian James Truslow Adams, holds immense historical significance, primarily for articulating and popularizing the enduring concept of 'The American Dream.' Its release during the severe economic crisis of the Great Depression was particularly timely, offering a comprehensive, interpretive history of the United States designed to provide perspective and hope amidst widespread despair. Adams aimed to define the unique character and aspirations of the American nation, presenting a narrative that resonated deeply with a populace grappling with unprecedented challenges. The book quickly became a cultural touchstone, providing a framework for understanding national identity and potential during a period of profound uncertainty and hardship, shaping public discourse for decades to come.

20. The Road Back

    Released in 1931 by Erich Maria Remarque, Little, Brown and Company

    Published in 1931, two years after the international sensation 'All Quiet on the Western Front', Erich Maria Remarque's 'The Road Back' (originally 'Der Weg zurück') was one of the most anticipated literary releases of its time. It instantly shot to bestseller lists, becoming a cultural phenomenon that resonated deeply with a world still grappling with the psychological and societal aftermath of World War I. Following on the heels of its predecessor, the novel solidified Remarque's reputation as the preeminent voice of the 'Lost Generation', offering a poignant and unflinching look at the challenges faced by returning soldiers, transforming their private struggles into a universally recognized narrative of trauma and disillusionment.