Watch The Idle Rich
- NR
- 1929
- 1 hr 19 min
-
5.8 (149)
The Idle Rich is a classic romantic comedy from 1929, starring Conrad Nagel, Bessie Love, and Leila Hyams. The film is set against the backdrop of the roaring 20s, a time of flappers, speakeasies, and bootlegging, when the wealthy socialites of America were living it up with reckless abandon. The story revolves around the lives of two families, the Vandervelts and the Winthrops, who are both extremely wealthy and live in the lap of luxury. The Winthrops are led by the patriarch, John Winthrop Sr. (played by Richard Tucker), who is a cold and calculating businessman, while his son, John Jr. (played by Nagel), is a playboy who spends his days gambling and carousing with his best friend, William Smith (played by Johnny Mack Brown).
Meanwhile, the Vandervelts are led by the elegant and sophisticated Mrs. Vandervelt (played by Edythe Chapman), who is determined to marry off her daughter, Judy (played by Hyams), to a wealthy suitor. However, Judy has her sights set on John Jr., much to the chagrin of her mother, who sees him as a wastrel with no future.
As the two families are brought together by a series of social events, including a lavish party thrown by the Vandervelts and a horse race at the local track, the romantic tension between John Jr. and Judy begins to build. However, their relationship is threatened by the arrival of a rival suitor, a wealthy and charming Englishman named Roger Newall (played by Robert Ober), who immediately captures the heart of Judy and sets out to win her hand in marriage.
As the story unfolds, we witness the ups and downs of the various characters' relationships, as they navigate the complicated world of high society and the expectations that come with it. John Jr. must prove to Judy and her mother that he is more than just a carefree playboy, while Judy must decide between love and duty, and the Winthrops must confront the consequences of their own greed and ambition.
The Idle Rich is a charming and entertaining film that captures the spirit of the era in which it was made. The performances by the cast are impressive, particularly Nagel and Love, who have great chemistry on screen. The film also features impressive set design and costuming, showcasing the opulence and extravagance of the rich and famous of the time.
Overall, The Idle Rich is a delightful romantic comedy that transports the viewer back in time to the height of the Jazz Age. It's a film that is sure to leave a smile on your face and a longing for the glamour and excitement of a bygone era.
The Idle Rich is a 1929 comedy with a runtime of 1 hour and 19 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 5.8.