Watch The Toast of New York

The Toast of New York is a 1937 American biographical adventure film directed by Rowland V. Lee and starring Edward Arnold, Cary Grant, and Frances Farmer. The film is based on the story of James Fisk, who was a stockbroker and speculator in the 19th century. The movie is a historical drama that tells the story of Fisk's rise from rags to riches and his scandalous life.

As the film begins, James Fisk is a poor peddler and has no money to support his family. But, he is ambitious and driven, which sets him apart from others. He starts working as a store clerk and saves money to invest in stocks. He uses his charm and persuasion skills to gain the trust of a wealthy stockbroker named Daniel Drew (played by Edward Arnold). Drew sees potential in Fisk and offers him a partnership in his business.

Fisk soon discovers that he has a knack for manipulating the stock market. He makes a fortune by collaborating with his friend Nicholas (played by Cary Grant) and Drew. Together, they corner the gold market on Wall Street, which makes them the toast of New York. Fisk becomes a celebrity overnight and starts living a lavish lifestyle. He spends money on extravagant things such as a new house, expensive clothes, and women.

However, his success and fame come at a price. Fisk is not well-liked by his peers, who see him as a reckless gambler. He is also pursued by Josie (played by Frances Farmer), a woman who falls in love with him but doesn't approve of his lifestyle. Fisk's downfall begins when he leads a scandalous life and cheats on his wife with Josie. His enemies, who are against his success, use this scandal to bring him down.

The film portrays a fascinating account of Fisk's life, which is marked by ambition, greed, and love. The movie highlights the themes of power, wealth, and corruption, which are still relevant in today's times. The film succeeds in bringing to life the vibrant and glamorous atmosphere of New York City in the 19th century. The costumes, sets, and props are well-designed, and they transport the viewer back in time.

The acting performances by the lead actors are noteworthy. Edward Arnold delivers a convincing portrayal of Drew, who is a cunning businessman. Cary Grant's performance as Nicholas is understated but powerful. He brings depth and nuance to his character, who is a loyal friend to Fisk. Frances Farmer's performance as Josie is captivating, and she brings a sense of vulnerability to her character.

The direction by Rowland V. Lee is excellent. He handles the subject matter with skill and mastery. The film has a fast-paced narrative, which keeps the viewer engaged throughout. The script by Dudley Nichols is also well-written, and it captures the essence of the story.

Overall, The Toast of New York is a fascinating film that tells the story of an enigmatic man who rose to fame, fortune, and scandal. The movie has all the elements of a classic Hollywood film- glamour, intrigue, and romance. It is an entertaining and thought-provoking film that showcases the best of Hollywood's golden era.

The Toast of New York is a 1937 comedy with a runtime of 1 hour and 49 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.3.