History's Best Selling Products of 1932

1. Sock Monkey

   Released in 1932 by Nelson Knitting Company

   On April 12, 1932, the Nelson Knitting Company of Rockford, Illinois, filed a patent for a sock design that would inadvertently create a folk-art legend. This patent was for their iconic 'Rockford Red Heel' sock, a feature originally intended to show customers they were buying an authentic Nelson product. This distinctive red heel became the essential component for crafting the sock monkey's signature wide mouth. While the toy itself evolved organically, this specific date marks the legal and commercial birth of its most critical piece. The patent protected the very element that gave the future toy its character, cementing the foundation for a craft that would bring comfort and joy to millions, especially during the lean years of the Great Depression.

2. Horse Feathers

   Released in 1932 by Norman Z. McLeod, Paramount Pictures

   On August 19, 1932, the silver screen was set ablaze with the release of 'Horse Feathers,' a comedic masterpiece that solidified the Marx Brothers' unique brand of anarchy in Hollywood. This premiere marked another significant success for the legendary comedy troupe during the height of the Great Depression, offering much-needed laughter and escapism to audiences. The film quickly became a box office hit, demonstrating the unwavering popularity of Groucho, Harpo, Chico, and Zeppo. Its debut day cemented its place in cinematic history as a pivotal moment for both the Brothers and the golden age of American comedy, further establishing their iconic and irreverent style.

3. The Sign of the Cross

   Released in 1932 by Cecil B. DeMille, Paramount Pictures

   On November 30, 1932, Cecil B. DeMille's epic biblical drama, 'The Sign of the Cross,' premiered, plunging audiences into the decadent world of ancient Rome under Emperor Nero. Released by Paramount Pictures amidst the Great Depression, this opulent production quickly became a commercial success, renowned for its lavish sets, provocative themes, and grand spectacle. Its debut marked a pivotal moment for Hollywood, showcasing DeMille's masterful blend of historical drama, romance, and religious allegory, all while navigating the burgeoning waters of pre-Code cinema with bold, boundary-pushing content that captivated and shocked viewers alike. This release solidified its place as a significant cinematic event of its era.

4. The Kid from Spain

   Released in 1932 by Leo McCarey, United Artists

   On December 16, 1932, Samuel Goldwyn Productions unleashed 'The Kid from Spain' upon an eager American public, marking the world theatrical premiere of this delightful musical comedy. Starring the iconic Eddie Cantor, the film was a much-needed burst of laughter and song during the grim years of the Great Depression. Its release signaled a significant moment for both Cantor, who solidified his status as a top box office draw, and for Hollywood, demonstrating the enduring appeal of escapist entertainment. This date is special as it launched a film that would go on to achieve remarkable commercial success, becoming one of the highest-grossing movies of its era and providing millions with a temporary respite from their troubles.

5. Emma

   Released in 1932 by Clarence Brown, Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer

   On December 26, 1932, Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer unveiled 'Emma' to audiences, a heartwarming drama that solidified Marie Dressler's late-career stardom. This Christmas week premiere marked the official debut of a film that would go on to be a significant commercial success for MGM, grossing over $1.4 million worldwide during a challenging economic period. The specific release date ensured that the movie became a holiday attraction, capitalizing on family gatherings and a desire for uplifting stories during the Great Depression. Its immediate critical and popular reception highlighted its special place in the cinematic landscape of the early 1930s, making this date a pivotal moment for both the studio and its leading lady.

6. Chuck Taylor All-Stars

   Released in 1932 by Converse, Chuck Taylor

   The Chuck Taylor All-Star, originally a performance basketball shoe, transcended its athletic roots to become an undisputed icon of global fashion and youth culture. Launched by Converse in 1917 as the "All-Star," its transformation into the "Chuck Taylor All-Star" in 1932, driven by the legendary basketball player and salesman Charles H. "Chuck" Taylor, marked a pivotal moment. This simple canvas-and-rubber sneaker, initially designed for court grip and ankle support, quickly resonated beyond athletes, becoming a symbol of rebellion, authenticity, and laid-back cool that has endured for over a century, cementing its place as one of history's best-selling and most recognizable footwear designs.

7. Moral Man and Immoral Society

   Released in 1932 by Reinhold Niebuhr, Charles Scribner's Sons

   Published in 1932, at the height of the Great Depression and amidst rising global political turmoil, 'Moral Man and Immoral Society' stands as a foundational text in 20th-century American theological and political thought. It profoundly reshaped how intellectuals, theologians, and policymakers understood the intersection of ethics, power, and social justice. The book’s radical critique of liberal Protestantism’s naive optimism about human perfectibility and its insistence on the distinct moral calculus of groups versus individuals provided a bracing dose of realism, directly addressing the systemic failures and collective egoism evident in both economic collapse and international relations of the era. Its publication marked a pivotal moment, ushering in a more sophisticated and often starker appraisal of humanity's capacity for good and evil in the realm of collective action.

8. Sons

   Released in 1932 by Pearl S. Buck, John Day Company

   Pearl S. Buck cemented her place as a literary giant with 'Sons,' a powerful sequel to her Pulitzer-winning 'The Good Earth.' Launched in 1932 amidst the Great Depression, this novel captivated readers, becoming a national bestseller and a cultural touchstone. Its arrival was eagerly anticipated, building on the immense success of its predecessor and offering a continued exploration of Chinese life and generational change. At a time of global uncertainty, Buck's vivid storytelling provided a window into a different world, drawing readers in with its universal themes of family, power, and societal evolution. 'Sons' wasn't just a book; it was a phenomenon that dominated literary discussions and bookstore shelves upon its release.

9. The Fountain

   Released in 1932 by Charles Langbridge Morgan, Alfred A. Knopf

   The Fountain by Charles Langbridge Morgan burst onto the literary scene in 1932, quickly establishing itself as one of the year's most talked-about and bestselling novels. In a tumultuous decade grappling with the aftermath of one world war and the looming shadow of another, Morgan's introspective and deeply romantic narrative offered a powerful blend of spiritual quest, philosophical depth, and a poignant love story. Its immediate popularity wasn't merely a testament to its compelling plot but also to its ability to tap into the collective consciousness, reflecting anxieties and hopes of an era seeking meaning amidst profound societal shifts. The novel became a cultural touchstone, generating widespread discussion among critics and the reading public alike, cementing Morgan's reputation as a major literary voice of his generation.

10. Three Loves

    Released in 1932 by A. J. Cronin, Victor Gollancz Ltd.

    Launching in 1932, A. J. Cronin’s 'Three Loves' arrived hot on the heels of his acclaimed debut, 'Hatter's Castle', solidifying his burgeoning reputation as a master storyteller. In a decade marked by economic uncertainty and social flux, Cronin's intensely human drama offered readers both an escape and a profound reflection on the complexities of life, love, and sacrifice. The novel quickly captivated a wide audience, establishing itself as a significant literary event of the year and cementing Cronin's place among the most compelling voices in British fiction. Its immediate popularity underscored a public appetite for emotionally rich narratives that explored the depths of the human spirit amidst challenging circumstances, drawing readers into the poignant journey of its unforgettable protagonist.