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Bette Davis in a comedy? George Arliss undercover? 1933 Pre-Code chaos, baby.
TMDB
65
IMDb
72
Rotten Tomatoes
67
Audience Score
64
Google
89
Watch(US)

The Working Man (1933)

Pre-Code sassCapitalist fairy godfatherDepression-era wish fulfillment

Overview

ComedyDrama

A successful shoe manufacturer named John Reeves goes on vacation and meets the grown children of his recently deceased and much-respected competitor; they're on the verge of losing the family legacy through their careless behavior. Reeves takes it upon himself to save his rival's company by teaching the heirs a lesson in business.

Flag of USUS
Content warning
undercoverpre-codebusiness rivalryrich kidstrusteeshoemakingfishing tripwastrel

Standout Aspects

Acting

George Arliss's twinkly patriarch energy carries everything.

Costume

Fabulous 1930s leisure wear and factory-floor fits.

Best for:Solo: Quiet afternoon with 1930s Hollywood charm.·Rewatch: Spotting early Bette Davis before her iconic era.
John G. Adolfi

Director

John G. Adolfi

ReleasedApr 20, 1933
Runtime1h 18m
StatusReleased

Vibe

Pacesteady
Intensitylow
Tonelight
Feellight
Warner Bros. Pictures
The Vitaphone Corporation

Top Cast

George Arliss

George Arliss

John Reeves alias John Walton

Bette Davis

Bette Davis

Jenny Hartland alias Jane Grey

Theodore Newton

Theodore Newton

Tommy Hartland

Hardie Albright

Hardie Albright

Benjamin 'Benny' Burnett

Gordon Westcott

Gordon Westcott

Fred 'Freddie' Pettison

J. Farrell MacDonald

J. Farrell MacDonald

Henry 'Hank' Davis

Pat Wing

Pat Wing

Reeves's Secretary

Edward Van Sloan

Edward Van Sloan

Mr. Briggs

Claire McDowell

Claire McDowell

Benjamin's Secretary

Ruthelma Stevens

Ruthelma Stevens

Mrs. Price

Harry C. Bradley

Harry C. Bradley

Reeves Company Board Member (uncredited)

Don Brodie

Don Brodie

Hartland Company Salesman (uncredited)

James Bush

James Bush

Tommy's Bridge Opponent (uncredited)

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Deep Dive

Trivia, insights & behind the scenes

Trivia

This was one of Bette Davis's rare early comedies before Warner Bros. figured out she was born for melodrama and villainy.

Cultural

Made during the Depression, this film lets audiences fantasize about a benevolent millionaire fixing everything—while subtly validating wealth as wisdom.

YouTube

Preview Clip | The Working Man | Warner Archive

Preview Clip | The Working Man | Warner Archive

Gallery

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