Up Pops the Devil 1931
In "Up Pops the Devil (1931)", A. Edward Sutherland crafts a sharp pre-Code comedy that explores the tension between ambition and marital stability.
Director: A. Edward Sutherland
Cast
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Up Pops the Devil (1931) about?
This 1931 comedy-drama follows an ad man whose dream of becoming a novelist upends his marriage when he quits his job to write. His wife's career as a Broadway dancer unexpectedly takes off to support them, but their newfound independence tests their relationship as an unplanned pregnancy forces them to confront their priorities.
Who directed Up Pops the Devil?
A. Edward Sutherland directed this 1931 comedy, known for his work in the early sound era blending humor with social commentary.
Who stars in Up Pops the Devil?
The film stars Richard 'Skeets' Gallagher, Stuart Erwin, Carole Lombard, Lilyan Tashman, and Norman Foster in pivotal roles.
Is Up Pops the Devil (1931) worth watching?
While it lacks an IMDb rating, this pre-Code comedy shines with its snappy dialogue, spirited performances, and themes of ambition versus family. Fans of classic comedies or Lombard's early work will likely find it a delightful snapshot of 1930s Hollywood charm.
How long is Up Pops the Devil?
The runtime for Up Pops the Devil is 74 minutes.
About Up Pops the Devil (1931) — A Pre-Code Comedy of Ambition, Love, and Broadway Dreams
In "Up Pops the Devil (1931)", A. Edward Sutherland crafts a sharp pre-Code comedy that explores the tension between ambition and marital stability. The film follows a struggling advertising executive who suddenly gains a chance to sell his unfinished novel, leading him to impulsively quit his job and pursue writing full-time. With the family's finances suddenly in peril, his resourceful wife steps into the spotlight as a Broadway dancer, setting the stage for a series of escalating comedic and romantic missteps. As their marriage frays under financial strain, an unexpected pregnancy adds a layer of urgency and heart to the chaos, leaving audiences to wonder how these characters will navigate love, career, and the unpredictability of life.
Directed with a brisk, witty touch by Sutherland, this 74-minute gem blends lighthearted humor with a dash of melodrama, capturing the fragility of relationships when dreams collide with reality. The ensemble cast, led by Richard 'Skeets' Gallagher and the radiant Carole Lombard, delivers performances that balance slapstick antics with genuine emotional stakes, making "Up Pops the Devil (1931)" a standout in the early sound era—perfect for fans of classic screwball comedies and New York's glittering, precarious showbiz world.