The Wet Parade (1932)

The evils of alcohol before and during prohibition become evident as we see its effects on the rich Chilcote family.

Writers:

John Lee Mahin (adapted by), Upton Sinclair (from the novel by)

Stars:

Dorothy Jordan, Lewis Stone, Neil Hamilton

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Dorothy Jordan	...	Maggie May
Lewis Stone	...	Roger Chilcote
Neil Hamilton	...	Roger Chilcote, Jr.
Emma Dunn	...	Mrs. Chilcote
Frederick Burton	...	Major Randolph
Reginald Barlow	...	Judge Brandon
John Larkin	...	Moses
Gertrude Howard	...	Angelina
Robert Young	...	Kip Tarleton
Walter Huston	...	Pow Tarleton
Jimmy Durante	...	Abe Shilling
Wallace Ford	...	Jerry Tyler
Myrna Loy	...	Eileen Pinchon
Joan Marsh	...	Evelyn Fessenden
John Miljan	...	Major Doleshal

Storyline

Sprawling story of Prohibition set against two families and how they are affected by booze. The stories come together when two young people (Robert Young, Dorothy Jordan) join in a common fight against liquor because it has destroyed their families. Both pros and cons are presented, but the screenplay definitely sides with the abstainers. The fathers destroyed by demon rum are played by Walter Huston and Lewis Stone, and look for Jimmy Durante as a bearded federal agent!

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Plot Keywords:

prohibition | liquor | hotel | new york city | volstead act | 

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Genres:

Drama | History | Romance

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Certificate:

Passed

Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

26 March 1932 (USA)

Also Known As:

E o Mundo Marcha

Filming Locations:

Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Studios - 10202 W. Washington Blvd., Culver City, California, USA

Company Credits

Production Co:

Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer (MGM)

Technical Specs

Runtime:

118 min

Sound Mix:

Mono (Western Electric Sound System)

Color:

Black and White

Aspect Ratio:

1.37 : 1

Did You Know?

Goofs

The story begins in 1916, then moves to 1919, and the early 1920's, but Dorothy Jordan and Myrna Loy wear up to the minute 1932 fashions throughout.

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Quotes

Eileen Pinchon: So you are going to fix everything up by getting good and tight!

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Connections

Referenced in Hollywood Hist-o-Rama: Myrna Loy (1961)

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Soundtracks

"The Star-Spangled Banner"
(1814) (uncredited)
Music by John Stafford Smith
Played in the score

User Reviews

The Wet Parade Marches Into the Past

It's difficult to find old movies that I haven't already seen, so it was with great anticipation that I watched The Wet Parade, 1932, for the first time. It was like taking a vicarious time machine journey that landed smack in the middle of one of America's less memorable self-righteous escapades: The Prohibition. The best part is that this intensely dramatic flick was made a full year before prohibition ended, so the full flavor of the alcohol-soaked theme really hits home. It includes some historically accurate details, which were still very fresh in everyone's minds when the movie was produced. It also depicts some of the darker details of desolation and desperation the general public wrestled with after losing complete access to drinkable alcohol. Walter Huston, one of Hollywood's most convincing actors of his era, outdoes himself in this movie. Young Robert Young is quite dashing in his role, although the sight of him paired up with the gregarious Jimmy Durante might prompt a quick reality check if you're not prepared for this early "odd couple" concept.