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Upperworld

Play trailer Poster for Upperworld 1934 1h 12m Crime Drama Play Trailer Watchlist
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Millionaire railroad baron Alex Stream (Warren William) is drifting apart from his wife, Hettie (Mary Astor), who devotes her attention to climbing the social ladder. While sailing his yacht, Alex saves burlesque performer Lilly Linda (Ginger Rogers) from drowning, and the two become friends. Despite the chaste nature of their friendship, Lilly's boyfriend and manager, Lou Colima (J. Carrol Naish), notices her liking for Alex and tries to use the millionaire's letters to Lilly for blackmail.

Audience Reviews

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Steve D A bit sexist and it is disappointing to not see Astor and Ginger together but with those two some fun will always be had. Rated 3 out of 5 stars 05/14/23 Full Review Audience Member Warren William's character is a little much of an asshole to be likeable; don't think that was the movies intention. Rated 3 out of 5 stars 02/16/23 Full Review Audience Member lavish depression era melodrama Rated 3 out of 5 stars 01/21/23 Full Review Audience Member Not quite as fresh as Night World, even though it’s from Ben Hecht story (as much as I love his novels, his films do often seem the work of a brilliant hack, a man too smart for his own good, too conscious of the mediocrity surrounding him, so that he was nearly paralyzed by fear of being mediocre himself, and in that stymied state, became precisely what he loathed). A wealthy tycoon finds himself isolated in his marriage (his wife too busy throwing costume balls to engage with him in a meaningful way), and so is ripe for friendship when he meets the totally unaffected Ginger Rogers, a showgirl who sings a burlesque program at a seedy joint. They really are merely friends, but the showgirl’s smarmy boss—who may also be her lover—sees an opportunity to make a quick buck by blackmail, and the confrontation turns into an accidental murder: both underworld characters are shot dead with the tycoon in the crossfire. Though he’s responsible for one of the two deaths (the showgirl stopped the boss’ bullet aimed for him, and so he tangled with the boss, the gun firing in the scuffle), he tries to get out of the situation by switching some bullets, planting his gun in her hand, and sneaking out. As usual, though, a nosy cop gets involved, having a personal grudge against the tycoon who got him demoted over a speeding ticket (those tycoons all think they are above the law!) At a dinner party in front of his wife and colleagues, just as they are toasting the success of his latest merger, the night before he sails purposefully abroad with his family, the police come in, along with the newspapermen. At last realizing that he’s not above the law, the tycoon confesses. But the film doesn’t end there, because those tycoons actually are above the law! Though he’s tried, he’s found. . . (there is a dramatic pause; we never hear the words “not guilty”) or we find him, on a ship, with his wife, laughing, promising to again be devoted to each other, as they make their way abroad. Perhaps a film for existential romantics. . . Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars 01/12/23 Full Review Audience Member An odd movie, Warren William's character is clearly the hero, but he is so amoral, lying, cheating, murdering, and bribing police. The ending is completely nonsensical, but everything up to then is totally compelling, and unusual. Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars 01/23/23 Full Review Audience Member Decent movie with a really good performance from Warren William, and a charming one from Ginger Rogers, but it falters in its third act. Rated 3 out of 5 stars 02/24/23 Full Review Read all reviews
Upperworld

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Movie Info

Synopsis Millionaire railroad baron Alex Stream (Warren William) is drifting apart from his wife, Hettie (Mary Astor), who devotes her attention to climbing the social ladder. While sailing his yacht, Alex saves burlesque performer Lilly Linda (Ginger Rogers) from drowning, and the two become friends. Despite the chaste nature of their friendship, Lilly's boyfriend and manager, Lou Colima (J. Carrol Naish), notices her liking for Alex and tries to use the millionaire's letters to Lilly for blackmail.
Director
Roy Del Ruth
Production Co
Warner Bros.
Genre
Crime, Drama
Original Language
English
Runtime
1h 12m