A Successful Calamity 1932
"WITH A SNAP OF HIS FINGERS HE THROWS MILLIONS AWAY BECAUSE HE WANTED LAUGHS! He turned from a human check book into a human being and taught his family to laugh!"
Directed by John G. Adolfi, *A Successful Calamity (1932)* is a witty blend of comedy and drama that follows the Wilton family's transformation when a millionaire patriarch fakes financial ruin to expose his family's true character.
Director: John G. Adolfi
Cast
George Arliss
Henry Wilton
Mary Astor
Emmy 'Sweetie' Wilton
Evalyn Knapp
Peggy Wilton
Grant Mitchell
Connors
William Janney
Eddie Wilton
David Torrence
Partington
Hardie Albright
George Struthers
Randolph Scott
Larry Rivers
Hale Hamilton
John Belde
Fortunio Bonanova
Pietro Rafaelo
Frequently Asked Questions
What is A Successful Calamity (1932) about?
The film centers on a wealthy man who pretends to lose his fortune to test his family's loyalty. As greed falters and love prevails, his children rediscover what truly matters—authentic connections over material wealth.
Who directed A Successful Calamity?
The film was directed by John G. Adolfi, known for his work in early sound-era cinema and collaborations with stars like George Arliss.
Who stars in A Successful Calamity?
The film features George Arliss as Henry Wilton, alongside Mary Astor as his wife Emmy, and Evalyn Knapp, Grant Mitchell, and David Torrence in key supporting roles.
Is A Successful Calamity (1932) worth watching?
As a comedy-drama from the early 1930s, it offers sharp social commentary and heartwarming themes with a runtime that keeps things breezy. While IMDb doesn't rate it, its mix of humor and family dynamics makes it a charming watch for classic film fans.
How long is A Successful Calamity?
The film runs 72 minutes, making it a perfect bite-sized classic for a cozy evening.
About A Successful Calamity (1932) — Comedy-Drama Classic with George Arliss
Directed by John G. Adolfi, *A Successful Calamity (1932)* is a witty blend of comedy and drama that follows the Wilton family's transformation when a millionaire patriarch fakes financial ruin to expose his family's true character. George Arliss stars as Henry Wilton, a shrewd and wealthy man whose second wife, Emmy, and two spoiled children, Peggy and Eddie, revel in luxury without a care. When Henry stages his downfall, his family's veneer of entitlement cracks—revealing who truly values love over wealth. Paralleling the era's social satire, the film explores themes of greed, authenticity, and the power of laughter to reconnect fractured bonds. With sharp dialogue and a lighthearted yet perceptive tone, it captures the Roaring Twenties' excesses through a lens of redemption.
At its heart, the story celebrates the unexpected joy of simplicity, as Peggy rejects a shallow fortune hunter for a genuine romance and Eddie embraces hard work. The film's blend of humor and heart makes it a standout of early 1930s cinema, offering a timeless reflection on family dynamics and the illusions of prosperity.
