A Successful Failure (1934)

Ellery Cushing is full of catchy sayings and old-fashioned wisdom. But all that his family cares about is how much money he makes, and all that his boss at the newspaper sees is that ... See full summary »

Director:

Arthur Lubin

Writers:

Michael Kane (story), Marion Orth

Stars:

William Collier Sr., Lucile Gleason, Russell Hopton

Cast

Complete credited cast:
William Collier Sr.	...	Ellery Cushing aka Uncle Dudley
Lucile Gleason	...	Mrs. Cushing
Russell Hopton	...	Phil Stardon
George P. Breakston	...	Tommy Cushing
William Janney	...	Robert Cushing
Gloria Shea	...	Ruth Cushing
Clarence Wilson	...	H.T. Flintly, News Record Editor
Jameson Thomas	...	Jerry Franklin, Ruth's Beau
Richard Tucker	...	J.W. Blair, Atlas Broadcasting

Storyline

Ellery Cushing is full of catchy sayings and old-fashioned wisdom. But all that his family cares about is how much money he makes, and all that his boss at the newspaper sees is that Cushing is getting too old to keep up with his work. So his loyal co-worker Phil decides to see what he can do to help everyone see what his friend has to offer.

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Genres:

Comedy

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Certificate:

Passed

Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

15 October 1934 (USA)

Company Credits

Production Co:

Monogram Pictures

Technical Specs

Runtime:

62 min

Sound Mix:

Mono

Color:

Black and White

Aspect Ratio:

1.37 : 1

User Reviews

Uncle Dudley does right

Charming suburban comedy with a social and moral message for 'depression era' audiences who would have related to this family feature well. Solid well decorated sets and a friendly wink to the audience via the humorous script allow this lovely little Monogram feature from 1934 to be undemanding and effective without being preachy. Some pre Andy Hardy type family situations and ideas add to the familiar family drama. The casting of the parents seems a generation to wide for later audiences, they actually look the kids grandparents, but the actors of Mom and Pop: William Collier Sr and Lucile Gleason are excellent characters with charming easy delivery of whimsical dialog. There is a few real laughs and some good looking night time suburban street scenes. It is almost a Blondie and Dagwood script before either that series or the Hardy Family turned up. These pre 1935 Monogram pix are really interesting productions to me, as the studio was successfully gaining a good reputation and their developing image is evident especially by 1934..... A SUCCESSFUL FAILURE is typical of their solid small film style with good cast roles and interesting sets and design. You can see how other studios copied this formula and suburban style about tired Dad and his teenage family dramas. The young teen actor in this one is George Breakston and he is particularly effective, both in modern look and easy realistic style.