Watch The Crash

In the wake of the stock market crash of 1929, The Crash (1932) is a film that explores the devastating consequences of financial ruin. Directed by William Dieterle, the film stars Ruth Chatterton, George Brent, and Lois Wilson, and was released during the early part of the Great Depression. Despite its somewhat melodramatic tone, and its overt moralizing, the film is an interesting document of its time, and offers a glimpse into the zeitgeist of the era.

The main character of the film is John Hampton (George Brent), a wealthy stockbroker who has amassed a considerable fortune by playing the market. He lives happily with his wife, Mona (Ruth Chatterton), and their son. However, when the stock market crashes, John sees his wealth disappear in a matter of days. His clients lose everything, and soon he is forced to lay off his staff and sell his luxurious home.

Determined to recover his wealth, John takes up the risky practice of margin trading, a strategy that involves buying on margin, using borrowed money to buy stocks. He soon becomes ensnared in a web of debt, and when the market crashes again, he finds himself bankrupt, and facing a criminal investigation.

The Crash is a story of hubris and its inevitable consequences. John is a man who succumbed to the lure of wealth and power, and who paid a heavy price for his greed. His downfall is also the downfall of the people who trusted him, who invested their savings in his schemes, and who lost everything as a result.

The film's message is clear: market speculation and greed are dangerous, and they can lead to devastating consequences. The Crash serves as a warning to those who would engage in such practices, and it reminds us of the necessity of ethical behavior in the world of finance.

The acting in The Crash is somewhat melodramatic, but it's also effective in conveying the emotions of the characters. Ruth Chatterton delivers a strong performance as Mona, the wife who stands by her husband despite his flaws. George Brent is also convincing as John, a man who is both charismatic and flawed. Lois Wilson plays Myra, Mona's friend who also ends up being a victim of the financial collapse. The supporting cast is also strong, including Helen Jerome Eddy, who plays Miss Antrim, John's secretary who is left destitute after being laid off.

The film's production values are impressive, given the limitations of the era. The sets and costumes are lavish, and the cinematography is intricate, especially during the scenes of the stock exchange. The Crash also incorporates actual news footage of the market crash, which adds a sense of authenticity to the film.

In conclusion, The Crash is a film that captures the anxieties of the period, and offers a cautionary tale about the dangers of greed and speculation. Despite its melodramatic tone, it remains a compelling document of a tumultuous era, and a reminder of the need for ethical behavior in the world of finance.

The Crash is a 1932 drama with a runtime of 56 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 5.9.