History's Best Selling Products of 1943

Extra! Extra! On the home front and across the nation, 1943 saw a swell surge of swell Yankee ingenuity and home-front craftsmanship in the world of items! Leading the charge were mighty, top-selling marvels like Casablanca and The Human Comedy, capturing the public’s fancy in grand fashion. Distinguished creators from industry leaders like Michael Curtiz and William Saroyan proved their mettle with The Fountainhead, delivering craftsmanship that swept main street from coast to coast as genuine top-flight hits. Step right up and inspect our complete, rank-ordered historical archive below!

1. Casablanca

   Released in 1943 by Michael Curtiz, Warner Bros.

   On January 23, 1943, the romantic drama "Casablanca" received its general American release, an event timed with masterful publicity. The date was deliberately chosen to coincide with the Casablanca Conference, a high-level strategic meeting between U.S. President Franklin D. Roosevelt, British Prime Minister Winston Churchill, and French leaders Charles de Gaulle and Henri Giraud. This real-world event, taking place in the very city depicted in the film, generated enormous public interest and turned the movie's release into a major patriotic and cultural event. While the film had a limited premiere in New York City in November 1942 to qualify for the Academy Awards, its nationwide rollout on this date cemented its place in the public consciousness during a pivotal moment of World War II.

2. The Human Comedy

   Released in 1943 by William Saroyan, Harcourt, Brace and Company

   The Human Comedy, launched in 1943, captivated wartime America. Its release during World War II tapped into a deep public yearning for comfort, hope, and affirmation of human spirit amidst profound global conflict. Saroyan’s storytelling, imbued with warmth and optimism, offered a poignant counter-narrative to the grim realities of battle, making it an instant bestseller and a cultural touchstone for readers seeking solace and connection. Its rapid ascent to popularity wasn't just about escapism; it was about reaffirming the enduring values of family and community when they felt most threatened, solidifying its place as a literary sensation of its time.

3. The Fountainhead

   Released in 1943 by Ayn Rand, Bobbs-Merrill

   Released in 1943 amidst the height of World War II, "The Fountainhead" emerged as a powerful and provocative novel that starkly contrasted the prevailing collectivist sentiments of the era. Its publication was a pivotal moment for Ayn Rand, marking her breakthrough into widespread literary recognition and establishing the foundational themes of her philosophical system, Objectivism. The book's radical assertion of individual integrity and the pursuit of personal greatness over societal conformity resonated deeply with a segment of the American public, challenging established norms and setting the stage for decades of intellectual debate regarding self-interest versus altruism, and the role of the individual in society. Its impact was immediate and long-lasting, solidifying Rand's voice as a unique and controversial figure.

4. Coney Island

   Released in 1943 by Walter Lang, 20th Century Fox

   The dazzling musical 'Coney Island' starring the incomparable Betty Grable made its grand debut on June 18, 1943, marking a significant moment in wartime entertainment. Released by 20th Century Fox, this vibrant film transported audiences away from the anxieties of World War II with its Technicolor spectacle and catchy tunes. This premiere date was a beacon of light, offering a much-needed escape and becoming one of the year's top-grossing films, solidifying Grable's status as a major box office draw and contributing significantly to the morale of a nation craving joy and distraction amidst global conflict.

5. Dixie

   Released in 1943 by A. Edward Sutherland, Paramount Pictures

   June 23, 1943, marked the world theatrical premiere of 'Dixie' in New York City, a vibrant Technicolor musical that brought the life of songwriter Daniel Decatur Emmett to the big screen. Starring the immensely popular Bing Crosby, the film promised a lavish escape for wartime audiences. Its debut was met with considerable enthusiasm, quickly establishing it as one of the year's top grossing films. This premiere date is significant as it launched a musical that, while celebrated for its entertainment value at the time, would later become a point of discussion regarding its historical portrayals, yet undeniably solidified its place in Hollywood's golden age of musicals.

6. For Whom the Bell Tolls

   Released in 1943 by Sam Wood, Paramount Pictures

   On July 14, 1943, cinema screens across New York City lit up with the premiere of "For Whom the Bell Tolls," marking a significant cultural event amidst the global conflict of World War II. This date heralded the debut of what would become the highest-grossing film of its year, raking in an impressive $6.3 million at the domestic box office. More than just a commercial success, its premiere introduced audiences to a sweeping romantic drama adapted from Ernest Hemingway's acclaimed novel, immediately establishing itself as a powerful cinematic statement on love, sacrifice, and the brutal realities of war. The film's launch was a major moment for Paramount Pictures and solidified its stars, Gary Cooper and Ingrid Bergman, as titans of the silver screen.

7. This is the Army

   Released in 1943 by Michael Curtiz, Warner Bros.

   On July 29, 1943, the musical extravaganza 'This is the Army' premiered, not just as a piece of entertainment, but as a powerful patriotic statement during the height of World War II. Its launch was a monumental event, drawing immense public attention and becoming a crucial morale booster for both the troops overseas and the civilian population back home. This date marked the debut of a unique film that transcended mere cinematic release, functioning as a direct contribution to the war effort, with every dollar earned dedicated to supporting American soldiers. Its record-breaking box office success cemented its place not only as a top-grossing film of its era but also as a symbol of national unity and sacrifice, making its premiere a truly special moment in American history.

8. Star Spangled Rhythm

   Released in 1943 by George Marshall, Paramount Pictures

   The launch of 'Star Spangled Rhythm' on August 6, 1943, was more than just another movie premiere; it was a dazzling spectacle designed to lift spirits during the height of World War II. This musical revue, featuring an unprecedented galaxy of Paramount Pictures' biggest stars, premiered to eager audiences, quickly becoming a significant box office success, reportedly grossing an estimated $3,850,000. This date marked the debut of a film that was not only a commercial triumph but also a vibrant testament to Hollywood's commitment to entertainment and morale-boosting during a critical period in history, cementing its place as a quintessential wartime musical. Its blend of patriotism, comedy, and star power made it an instant favorite.

9. Stage Door Canteen

   Released in 1943 by Frank Borzage, United Artists

   The cinematic heartwarming musical 'Stage Door Canteen' premiered on August 13, 1943, captivating audiences across North America. This release date marked the debut of a unique film that transcended mere entertainment, serving as a powerful morale booster during World War II. Its immediate success wasn't just measured in box office receipts, but in its ability to rally support for servicemen and embody the spirit of unity. The film's entire proceeds were dedicated to the American Theatre Wing and its Stage Door Canteens, making this premiere a significant event not just for Hollywood, but for the national war effort.

10. Thousands Cheer

    Released in 1943 by George Sidney, Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer

    On September 13, 1943, a star-spangled spectacle arrived in New York City: Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer's "Thousands Cheer." This date marked the world theatrical premiere of a film designed not only to entertain but to uplift the spirits of a nation deep in the throes of World War II. It swiftly became one of the highest-grossing films of its year, raking in an impressive $3,751,000 in box office rentals for the studio. More than just a commercial success, "Thousands Cheer" served as a vibrant cinematic pep talk, bringing together an unprecedented array of MGM's biggest stars in a single production, making its debut a genuinely special event in wartime Hollywood history.

11. The Song of Bernadette

    Released in 1943 by Henry King, 20th Century Fox

    The release of "The Song of Bernadette" on December 22, 1943, marked a significant moment for Hollywood and audiences alike. Premiering in New York City, this reverent adaptation of Franz Werfel's bestselling novel immediately captivated moviegoers with its powerful story of faith and miracles. Coming at the height of World War II, the film offered a much-needed message of hope and spiritual solace, quickly becoming one of the most commercially successful films of its year. Its launch was not just a cinematic event but a cultural phenomenon, setting the stage for its eventual critical acclaim and a remarkable performance at the box office, making this initial release date a pivotal moment in its enduring legacy.

12. Destination Tokyo

    Released in 1943 by Delmer Daves, Warner Bros.

    On December 31, 1943, the gripping wartime submarine drama 'Destination Tokyo' premiered in New York City, launching a cinematic journey that resonated deeply with audiences during World War II. This date marked the debut of a film that captured the intense realities of naval warfare, offering a suspenseful and patriotic narrative. Its immediate success at the box office, generating an estimated $3,237,000 in rentals, underscored its timely appeal and cemented its place as a significant contributor to the era's morale-boosting entertainment. The premiere wasn't just a film screening; it was an event that brought the front lines closer to home, shaping public perception and support for the war effort.

13. Hungry Hill

    Released in 1943 by Daphne du Maurier, Doubleday, Doran

    Hungry Hill, Daphne du Maurier's sweeping family saga, burst onto the literary scene in 1943, captivating readers amidst the tumultuous backdrop of World War II. Published during a period of immense global uncertainty, the novel offered a powerful form of escapism, transporting readers to the rugged, dramatic landscapes of 19th-century Ireland. Its immediate popularity underscored du Maurier's growing reputation as a master storyteller, capable of crafting narratives that combined atmospheric tension with deep psychological insight. As a cultural phenomenon of its time, Hungry Hill not only provided a much-needed diversion but also invited contemplation on themes of legacy, greed, and the inexorable march of fate, solidifying its place as one of the year's standout literary achievements and a testament to du Maurier's enduring appeal.

14. Mrs. Parkington

    Released in 1943 by Louis Bromfield, Harper & Brothers

    Mrs. Parkington burst onto the literary scene in 1943, quickly becoming a defining novel of the World War II era. Amidst global upheaval, Louis Bromfield's sprawling saga offered readers a compelling blend of escapism and poignant reflection on American values. Its immediate popularity stemmed from its vivid portrayal of a formidable matriarch's life, from humble beginnings to immense wealth, offering both nostalgia for a bygone era and a subtle critique of societal changes. The book's widespread appeal made it a cultural phenomenon, providing both comfort and thought-provoking drama to a nation grappling with profound change and uncertainty during wartime.

15. The Forest and the Fort

    Released in 1943 by Hervey Allen, Farrar & Rinehart

    In 1943, as America was deeply embroiled in World War II, Hervey Allen's 'The Forest and the Fort' offered a compelling escape into a meticulously rendered past, quickly establishing itself as a major literary event. Following the monumental success of 'Anthony Adverse,' Allen's new historical epic was eagerly anticipated, launching with significant fanfare and immediately capturing the national imagination. It became a cultural phenomenon, providing readers with a vivid, expansive saga set against the backdrop of colonial America, serving as both a distraction from wartime anxieties and a powerful reaffirmation of foundational American resilience and identity. Its strong performance on bestseller lists solidified its place as one of the year's most popular novels.