An American Tragedy 1931
"The Story of a Girl...Good Enough to Betray...But Not Good Enough to Marry."
Directed by Josef von Sternberg, *An American Tragedy (1931)* unfolds as a gripping drama steeped in ambition, betrayal, and the harsh realities of class divides.
Director: Josef von Sternberg
Cast
Phillips Holmes
Clyde Griffiths
Sylvia Sidney
Roberta 'Bert' Alden
Frances Dee
Sondra Finchley
Irving Pichel
District Attorney Orville Mason
Frederick Burton
Samuel Griffiths
Claire McDowell
Mrs. Samuel Griffiths
Wallace Middleton
Gilbert Griffiths
Emmett Corrigan
Belknap
Charles Middleton
Attorney Reuben Jephson
Lucille La Verne
Mrs. Asa Griffiths
Frequently Asked Questions
What is *An American Tragedy (1931)* about?
The film follows a man torn between ambition and morality, caught between a wealthy love interest and a working-class woman he seduces. His desperate attempts to climb the social ladder spiral into tragedy, culminating in a crime that exposes the rot beneath the American Dream.
Who directed *An American Tragedy*?
Josef von Sternberg, known for his striking visual style and collaborations with Marlene Dietrich, directed this darkly atmospheric drama.
Who stars in *An American Tragedy*?
The film features Phillips Holmes, Sylvia Sidney, Frances Dee, Irving Pichel, and Frederick Burton in pivotal roles.
Is *An American Tragedy (1931)* worth watching?
For fans of 1930s crime dramas, von Sternberg's direction and Sidney's performance make it a compelling watch. The film's themes of class and morality hold up well, offering a glimpse into an era of cinematic storytelling.
How long is *An American Tragedy*?
The film runs for 96 minutes.
About An American Tragedy (1931) — A Forgotten 1930s Crime Drama with Noir Flair
Directed by Josef von Sternberg, *An American Tragedy (1931)* unfolds as a gripping drama steeped in ambition, betrayal, and the harsh realities of class divides. At its heart is a social climber who weaves a web of deception, ensnaring a privileged debutante while discarding the factory worker he seduces, leading to a desperate act of violence. The film's moody visuals and moral ambiguity create an atmosphere of simmering tension, where the American Dream curdles into something far darker. With sharper edges than typical 1930s melodramas, it critiques the hypocrisy of a society that worships success yet punishes those who stumble.
Sylvia Sidney and Phillips Holmes deliver standout performances, capturing the desperation and moral decay of their characters against a backdrop of smokestacks and shattered dreams. Von Sternberg's direction lends a stylish, almost noir-like edge to the proceedings, making *An American Tragedy* more than just a cautionary tale—it's a haunting reflection on the cost of aspiration and the fragility of human decency.
