Prosperity (1932)

In 1925, John becomes President of the prosperous Warren Bank when Maggie retires. Six years later, John, Helen and the two children are happy in their home, but the two mother-in-laws are ... See full summary »

Writers:

Sylvia Thalberg (story), Frank Butler (story),

Stars:

Marie Dressler, Polly Moran, Anita Page

Cast

Complete credited cast:
Marie Dressler	...	Maggie Warren
Polly Moran	...	Lizzie Praskins
Anita Page	...	Helen Praskins Warren
Norman Foster	...	John Warren
John Miljan	...	Holland
Jackie Lyn Dufton	...	Cissy Warren (as Jacquie Lyn)
Jerry Tucker	...	Buster Warren
Charles Giblyn	...	Mayor
Frank Darien	...	Erza Higgins
Henry Armetta	...	Henry, a Barber
John Roche	...	Knapp, Holland's Cohort

Storyline

In 1925, John becomes President of the prosperous Warren Bank when Maggie retires. Six years later, John, Helen and the two children are happy in their home, but the two mother-in-laws are still bickering. When Lizzy inadvertently starts a run on the bank, it closes when Maggie learns that John has done what she had told him never to do - used the bank bonds for a get rich quick scheme. To gain some money for the depositors, Maggie and John sell everything that they have and move in with Lizzy, who hounds them every day. Their only hope for a normal life is to get the bonds back from the crooks that have them.

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Plot Keywords:

life insurance | con man | gun | laxative | construction | 

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Genres:

Comedy | Drama

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Certificate:

Passed

Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

18 November 1932 (USA)

Also Known As:

Prospérité

Company Credits

Production Co:

Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer (MGM)

Technical Specs

Runtime:

87 min

Sound Mix:

Mono (Western Electric Sound System)

Color:

Black and White

Aspect Ratio:

1.37 : 1

Did You Know?

Quotes

Lizzie Praskins: One more word from you and I'll forget I'm a lady.
[lifts plate to throw at Maggie]
Maggie Warren: Why not? Everybody else has.

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Soundtracks

"Bridal Chorus (Here Comes the Bride)"
from "Lohengrin"
Written by Richard Wagner (1850)
Played by pianist and violinist at the wedding

User Reviews

Marie Dressler & Polly Moran Shine In Depression Era Comedy

The big-hearted matriarch of a small town bank works furiously to keep her institution alive. Though beset by trial & tribulation, she teaches her community that there is much more to PROSPERITY than how much money one has in the bank.

Marie Dressler was Hollywood's Queen when she made this crowd pleasing comedy/drama in 1932. She is perfect as the tough old lady with a tender heart who fights for her son's happiness and the well-being of their family owned bank. Depression audiences adored Marie because she was one of them, blunt, honest, no-nonsense, nothing fake or phony about her. They rewarded her by making her the box office champion in the years before her untimely death in 1934.

However, it's important to notice that Dressler shares star billing in PROSPERITY with her frequent sidekick, the ubiquitous Polly Moran. This spunky, buxom little comedienne cut her teeth in Mack Sennett Comedies and was most adept at slapstick & physical humor. Together, Marie & Polly, like a distaff Laurel & Hardy, were formidably funny. Their several screen pairings, though seldom revived today, are comedic gems.

Others in the cast (Anita Page as Polly's daughter, Norman Foster as Marie's son & John Miljan as the villain) are all very competent, but exist mainly to showcase the Ladies.