History's Best Selling Products of 1929

1. The Desert Song

   Released in 1929 by Roy Del Ruth, Warner Bros.

   The premiere of "The Desert Song" on January 13, 1929, was a pivotal moment in cinema history, marking one of the earliest full-length Technicolor films to incorporate synchronized sound. This groundbreaking Warner Bros. production not only captivated audiences with its vibrant visuals and musical numbers but also proved to be a significant commercial success, grossing an estimated $1,549,000 at a time when talkies were just beginning to dominate the industry. Its debut firmly established the potential of combining color and sound, setting a new standard for musical adaptations and showcasing the nascent technological marvels that would soon transform filmmaking forever.

2. The Broadway Melody

   Released in 1929 by Harry Beaumont, Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer

   On February 1, 1929, a new era in filmmaking truly began with the Los Angeles premiere of 'The Broadway Melody'. This groundbreaking musical not only captured the spirit of the Roaring Twenties but also etched its name into cinematic history as the first sound film to win the Academy Award for Best Picture. Its debut marked a pivotal moment for Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer, establishing the studio as a formidable player in the burgeoning talkie revolution. The film's commercial success, raking in an impressive $2,808,000 at the box office worldwide, confirmed the audience's eager embrace of synchronized sound and musical numbers, signaling a dramatic shift from silent cinema and laying the cornerstone for the golden age of Hollywood musicals.

3. On with the Show!

   Released in 1929 by Alan Crosland, Warner Bros. Pictures

   On with the Show! burst onto the screen on May 28th, 1929, marking a spectacular leap forward in cinematic history. This premiere wasn't just another movie opening; it heralded the arrival of the first all-color, all-talking feature film, a technological marvel that captivated audiences and critics alike. Its groundbreaking use of Technicolor, combined with synchronized sound, positioned it as a monumental event in the nascent era of "talkies." Despite the technical challenges inherent in its production, the film successfully leveraged its innovations to achieve a significant box office gross of $1,741,000, underscoring the public's insatiable appetite for the new, immersive cinematic experience it offered. This release date truly signifies a pivotal moment in the evolution of Hollywood.

4. The Hollywood Revue of 1929

   Released in 1929 by Charles Reisner, Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer

   On June 20, 1929, 'The Hollywood Revue of 1929' burst onto the silver screen, premiering at Grauman's Chinese Theatre in Hollywood. This release marked a pivotal moment in cinema history, serving as Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer's ambitious entry into the burgeoning world of sound films. Heralded as an 'all-talking, all-singing, all-dancing' spectacle, its launch was a major event, drawing audiences eager to experience the novelty of sound and early Technicolor. The film's impressive domestic box office gross of $1.527 million affirmed its status as a commercial triumph and a key player in the sound revolution.

5. Show Boat

   Released in 1929 by Harry A. Pollard, Universal Pictures

   The curtain rose on the first cinematic adaptation of Edna Ferber's epic novel, "Show Boat," on July 29, 1929. This groundbreaking film, released by Universal Pictures, marked a pivotal moment in Hollywood's transition from silent movies to "talkies." While primarily a silent feature, it captivated audiences with selective sound sequences, offering a glimpse into the future of motion pictures. Its launch was a significant cultural event, bringing a beloved American story to the silver screen in a format that blended the old and the new, setting the stage for its impressive box office performance and establishing its place as a pioneering achievement in early sound cinema. This premiere date is special as it introduced the visual spectacle of the Cotton Blossom to a national audience.

6. Gold Diggers of Broadway

   Released in 1929 by Roy Del Ruth, Warner Bros.

   The cinematic landscape was irrevocably altered on August 26, 1929, with the premiere of 'Gold Diggers of Broadway'. This momentous date marked the debut of one of Hollywood's earliest all-color, all-talking sound musicals, a technical marvel that captivated audiences and solidified the future of the motion picture industry. Released by Warner Bros. during a period of rapid technological transformation in filmmaking, this film was an immediate sensation, boasting a remarkable box office gross for its time. Its launch was not just a film premiere; it was a loud, colorful declaration that the silent era was over, positioning 'Gold Diggers of Broadway' as a pivotal cultural event that ushered in a new age of cinematic spectacle and entertainment.

7. Pop-Up Book

   Released in 1929 by Blue Ribbon Books

   On September 1, 1929, the world of children's literature was forever changed with the release of a new series of books by New York publisher Blue Ribbon Books. While books with movable parts had existed for centuries, this date marks the first time they were marketed under the newly trademarked and instantly captivating term: 'Pop-Up'. This launch, just weeks before the stock market crash that would usher in the Great Depression, introduced a novel form of interactive storytelling. These books were not just read; they came to life, offering a new dimension of engagement and wonder for children and establishing a brand new category in publishing that would enchant generations to come.

8. The Sound and the Fury

   Released in 1929 by William Faulkner, Jonathan Cape and Harrison Smith

   Published in 1929, 'The Sound and the Fury' stands as a pivotal work of American modernism, forever altering the landscape of literary narrative. At a time when the nation was grappling with rapid social change and the echoes of a lost past, Faulkner plunged deep into the psyche of a decaying Southern aristocratic family, the Compsons, mirroring the broader societal and moral decline of the South. Its radical experimentation with stream-of-consciousness and non-linear storytelling broke from traditional narrative forms, forcing readers to confront the subjective nature of truth and memory. This book was not merely a story; it was an experience, a complex symphony of voices and perspectives that solidified Faulkner's reputation as a literary titan and a master of the Southern Gothic genre.

9. The Cock-Eyed World

   Released in 1929 by Raoul Walsh, Fox Film Corporation

   On October 20, 1929, 'The Cock-Eyed World' burst onto cinema screens, marking a significant moment in early sound film. This raucous comedy-drama served as a much-anticipated sequel to Raoul Walsh's silent smash 'What Price Glory?' (1926), bringing back the beloved, brawling Marines, Sergeants Flagg and Quirt, for another round of global adventures. Released by Fox Film Corporation just as the world was navigating the transition from silent films to talkies, its premiere was a cultural event, promising audiences the familiar charm of its characters alongside the thrilling novelty of synchronized sound. The film's robust box office performance cemented its place as a commercial triumph and a key early example of Hollywood's successful adoption of sound technology.

10. Rio Rita

    Released in 1929 by Luther Reed, RKO Radio Pictures

    October 28, 1929, marked a pivotal moment for RKO Radio Pictures and the burgeoning sound film era with the premiere of 'Rio Rita.' This lavish musical operetta wasn't just another movie; it was a financial lifeline and a technological triumph for the newly formed studio. Released just days before the infamous stock market crash, 'Rio Rita' defied the looming economic turmoil to become a massive box office hit, reportedly RKO's biggest earner of the year. Its success solidified the studio's future and demonstrated the immense appeal of the 'talkie' musical, making this premiere date a significant bookmark in Hollywood history.

11. Sunny Side Up

    Released in 1929 by David Butler, Fox Film Corporation

    On November 22, 1929, the cinematic world was introduced to 'Sunny Side Up,' a groundbreaking early sound musical that captivated audiences with its vibrant songs and the charming chemistry of its stars, Janet Gaynor and Charles Farrell. Released by Fox Film Corporation, this date marks the film's significant world theatrical premiere, launching it into a landscape rapidly transitioning from silent films to talkies. It became one of the most successful movies of its year, earning an impressive $2.2 million at the box office and solidifying the musical genre as a powerful new force in Hollywood. Its arrival signaled a triumph for sound cinema and offered a much-needed dose of optimism during the nascent stages of the Great Depression, making this premiere a notable moment in film history.

12. All Quiet on the Western Front

    Released in 1929 by Erich Maria Remarque, Propyläen Verlag

    Erich Maria Remarque's 'All Quiet on the Western Front' exploded onto the literary scene in 1929, capturing the raw, unvarnished truth of World War I for a public still reeling from its aftermath. Published first in serial form in late 1928 and then as a book in January 1929, it immediately became a global cultural phenomenon. The novel offered a stark, disillusioned perspective on trench warfare, challenging the heroic narratives that had dominated public discourse. Its unflinching realism and profound emotional resonance struck an immediate chord, quickly propelling it to unprecedented bestseller status and making it an essential, if uncomfortable, mirror reflecting the collective trauma of a generation.

13. Dodsworth

    Released in 1929 by Sinclair Lewis, Harcourt, Brace and Company

    Sinclair Lewis's 'Dodsworth' launched in 1929, capturing the restless spirit of a nation on the cusp of significant change. Heralded as the Publishers Weekly #2 Bestselling Novel of the year, it wasn't just a book; it was a cultural phenomenon. Lewis, already a literary titan, once again held a mirror to American society, exploring themes of affluence, identity, and marital disillusionment through the lens of a European grand tour. Its immediate popularity stemmed from its piercing yet empathetic portrayal of a couple grappling with mid-life anxieties and the allure of foreign cultures, resonating deeply with a generation questioning the promise of material success.

14. Magnificent Obsession

    Released in 1929 by Lloyd C. Douglas, Houghton Mifflin Harcourt

    Magnificent Obsession burst onto the American literary scene in 1929, a beacon of hope and spiritual uplift amidst the deepening gloom of the Great Depression. Authored by former pastor Lloyd C. Douglas, this novel quickly captivated readers, climbing bestseller lists and establishing itself as a cultural phenomenon. Its timely message of altruism, redemption, and the transformative power of secret good deeds struck a profound chord with a nation grappling with widespread economic hardship and despair. The book offered a much-needed antidote to the cynicism of the era, presenting a compelling narrative that championed personal sacrifice and unacknowledged generosity as pathways to true fulfillment and spiritual wealth. It became more than just a story; it was a conversation starter, a source of inspiration, and a comforting reassurance that even in the darkest times, the human spirit could triumph through service to others.

15. Mamba's Daughters

    Released in 1929 by DuBose Heyward, Farrar & Rinehart

    In 1929, as America teetered on the brink of the Great Depression, DuBose Heyward's novel, 'Mamba's Daughters,' captivated readers and critics alike, securing its place as a Publishers Weekly #7 Bestseller. Following the immense success of his earlier work, 'Porgy,' Heyward once again plunged into the vibrant and complex Gullah culture of Charleston, South Carolina. The novel arrived at a crucial moment in American literature, offering a nuanced, albeit controversial, depiction of African American life and aspiration. Its blend of compelling character study, social commentary, and dramatic narrative resonated deeply, cementing its status as a significant cultural phenomenon and a standout literary achievement of its era, marking Heyward as a definitive voice of the American South.

16. Sorry!

    Released in 1929 by W.H. Storey & Co.

    Sorry!, first introduced in the United Kingdom in 1929 by W.H. Storey & Co., quickly captured the attention of players with its blend of luck and light strategy. Based on the ancient Indian game Pachisi and a more direct descendant of the British game Ludo, Sorry! offered a fresh, engaging twist on a timeless formula. Its simple yet infuriating mechanic of sending opponents back to their start quickly made it a household name, especially after Parker Brothers brought it to the United States in 1934. The game's ability to create moments of triumphant progress and frustrating setbacks ensured its place as a popular pastime, generating countless family game nights filled with both cheers and playful groans. Its arrival marked the beginning of a long and successful run, establishing it as a classic board game beloved by generations.

17. The Bishop Murder Case

    Released in 1929 by S. S. Van Dine, Charles Scribner's Sons

    In 1929, as the roaring twenties neared its dramatic close, S. S. Van Dine's 'The Bishop Murder Case' exploded onto the literary scene, quickly becoming one of the year's most talked-about and bestselling novels. It captivated readers with its intricate plot, sophisticated detective, and chilling premise, securing its place as the #4 bestselling novel of the year according to Publishers Weekly. At a time when America was grappling with rapid change and societal anxieties, Van Dine offered an intellectual escape, a meticulously crafted puzzle that allowed readers to engage their minds with the brilliant amateur sleuth, Philo Vance. The novel wasn't just a book; it was a cultural event, a testament to the era's fascination with clever crime and deductive reasoning.