History's Best Selling Products of 1938

1. In Old Chicago

   Released in 1938 by Henry King, 20th Century Fox

   On January 7, 1938, the spectacular disaster film 'In Old Chicago' premiered, igniting screens with its fiery depiction of the Great Chicago Fire of 1871. This epic production from 20th Century Fox was not merely a movie; it was a grand cinematic event designed to captivate audiences with its blend of family drama, romance, and unprecedented special effects. Its launch marked a significant moment for Hollywood's Golden Age, showcasing the studio's ambition to produce large-scale spectacles. The film quickly became a major commercial success, captivating moviegoers and critics alike with its dynamic performances and the climactic, devastating fire sequence that cemented its place as one of the year's biggest box office hits.

2. Our Town

   Released in 1938 by Thornton Wilder, Coward-McCann

   Thornton Wilder's 'Our Town' holds immense historical significance as a theatrical masterpiece that premiered in 1938, a pivotal year preceding the global upheaval of World War II. Its debut marked a radical departure from the elaborate stage conventions of the time, opting instead for a stark, minimalist approach that placed emphasis squarely on the human experience. The play's profound exploration of life, love, death, and the fleeting nature of existence resonated deeply with audiences grappling with economic hardship and an uncertain future. By stripping away artificiality, Wilder underscored the universal truths embedded in everyday American life, securing its place as a groundbreaking work that continues to influence drama.

3. Test Pilot

   Released in 1938 by Victor Fleming, Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer

   Released on April 16, 1938, "Test Pilot" soared into cinemas as a star-studded aviation drama, instantly capturing the hearts of audiences worldwide. This date marked the grand premiere of one of Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer's most successful films of the year, bringing together Hollywood's most beloved actors – Clark Gable, Myrna Loy, and Spencer Tracy – in a thrilling tale of love, sacrifice, and the dangerous world of flight. The film quickly proved to be a major box office hit, further solidifying the star power of its lead trio and cementing its place as a quintessential example of 1930s cinematic spectacle. Its commercial success underscored the public's enduring fascination with daring aviators and the emotional complexities that accompanied their high-stakes lives, making its debut a memorable moment in film history.

4. The Adventures of Robin Hood

   Released in 1938 by Michael Curtiz, Warner Bros.

   The premiere of "The Adventures of Robin Hood" on April 23, 1938, in Hollywood, marked the grand unveiling of a cinematic legend. This release date is particularly significant as it introduced moviegoers to Errol Flynn's iconic portrayal of the legendary outlaw, setting an unparalleled standard for action-adventure films. The film immediately captivated audiences with its vibrant Technicolor, thrilling escapism, and swashbuckling heroism, quickly becoming one of the highest-grossing films of its era. Its initial domestic box office success, generating nearly $2 million, underscored its widespread appeal and solidified Warner Bros.' reputation for producing grand, epic entertainment that resonated deeply with the public.

5. Volkswagen Beetle

   Released in 1938 by Volkswagen

   On May 26, 1938, a pivotal moment in automotive history occurred not in a showroom, but in a field near Fallersleben, Germany. On this day, Adolf Hitler laid the cornerstone for the massive new factory that would produce the 'People's Car.' The ceremony marked the official launch of the state-driven project for the 'KdF-Wagen' (Strength Through Joy Car), the vehicle that would later become universally known as the Volkswagen Beetle. This event was a major propaganda spectacle, symbolizing a promise of mass motorization for the German people. While the outbreak of World War II would delay this promise for nearly a decade, this date signifies the Beetle’s formal, industrial birth.

6. Beach Ball

   Released in 1938 by Jonathan DeLonge

   On June 1, 1938, a new icon of summer fun was born. Californian Jonathan DeLonge is credited with finalizing the design and production of the modern, inflatable beach ball on this day. The timing was perfect. The 1930s saw a rise in American leisure culture, with seaside resorts and public beaches becoming increasingly popular destinations for families seeking escape and recreation. Before DeLonge's invention, beach toys were often heavy and cumbersome. His lightweight, brightly colored, and easily portable sphere arrived as the perfect accessory for the burgeoning beach culture, offering an affordable and accessible form of entertainment that perfectly captured the carefree spirit of a day by the water.

7. Love Finds Andy Hardy

   Released in 1938 by George B. Seitz, Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer

   On July 22, 1938, Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer released 'Love Finds Andy Hardy' to audiences, marking a pivotal moment for the burgeoning Andy Hardy franchise and for several young stars. This particular installment, the fifth in the wildly popular series, quickly proved to be a box office triumph, further solidifying the character of Andy Hardy as a cultural icon of American adolescence. Its premiere date ushered in another wave of wholesome entertainment, showcasing not only the reliable charm of Mickey Rooney but also providing breakout roles for rising talents Judy Garland and Lana Turner, making it a significant event in Hollywood history.

8. Alexander's Ragtime Band

   Released in 1938 by Henry King, 20th Century Fox

   On August 5, 1938, audiences were transported through a vibrant tapestry of American music history with the premiere of 'Alexander's Ragtime Band.' This date marks the initial launch of a cinematic spectacle that celebrated the timeless melodies of Irving Berlin and captivated a nation eager for lavish entertainment. The film became an immense commercial success, ranking among the highest-grossing productions of its year and solidifying its place as a cornerstone musical in Hollywood's Golden Age. Its release was not just a film premiere; it was a cultural event that showcased the evolution of popular music and established new benchmarks for musical dramas, ensuring its immediate and lasting impact on the entertainment landscape.

9. Rebecca

   Released in 1938 by Daphne du Maurier, Victor Gollancz Ltd

   Daphne du Maurier's 'Rebecca' burst onto the literary scene in 1938, captivating readers with its intoxicating blend of gothic romance and psychological suspense. This spellbinding novel quickly became a cultural phenomenon, dominating bestseller lists and earning critical acclaim on both sides of the Atlantic. Its immediate popularity stemmed from its atmospheric prose, compelling mystery, and deeply unsettling exploration of identity and memory, drawing readers into the dark, enigmatic world of Manderley. 'Rebecca' offered a thrilling escape for a world on the brink of war, cementing its place as an enduring classic and a testament to du Maurier's masterful storytelling.

10. You Can't Take It with You

    Released in 1938 by Frank Capra, Columbia Pictures

    On August 23, 1938, Frank Capra's delightful comedy-drama "You Can't Take It with You" premiered in New York City, launching a cinematic classic that would capture the hearts of a Depression-era audience. This date marks the arrival of a film that was not only an instant critical success but also a significant box office triumph for Columbia Pictures. Adapted from the Pulitzer Prize-winning play, Capra masterfully brought to the screen a heartwarming tale of an eccentric family challenging the materialistic values of society, offering a much-needed dose of optimism and charm that resonated deeply with viewers and further cemented Capra's reputation as a purveyor of uplifting American narratives.

11. Boys Town

    Released in 1938 by Norman Taurog, Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer

    Boys Town," a deeply moving and inspirational drama, premiered on September 8, 1938, in Omaha, Nebraska, marking the auspicious debut of a film that would swiftly capture the hearts of audiences and critics alike. This original theatrical release heralded a significant box office success for Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer and cemented its place in cinematic history, largely due to its compelling narrative and powerful performances. The film's immediate commercial triumph, coupled with its profound social message, distinguished this premiere as not just another movie launch, but the unveiling of a cultural phenomenon that would earn lead actor Spencer Tracy his second consecutive Academy Award.

12. Sweethearts

    Released in 1938 by W. S. Van Dyke, Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer

    On December 22, 1938, audiences in New York City were treated to the glittering spectacle of 'Sweethearts,' a landmark musical film that premiered with much anticipation. This date marked the official theatrical debut of Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer's first full-length Technicolor production, an ambitious project designed to showcase the studio's technical prowess and the enduring chemistry of its beloved stars, Jeanette MacDonald and Nelson Eddy. The film quickly became a commercial triumph, enchanting viewers with its vibrant colors, lush score, and romantic narrative, firmly cementing its place as a significant achievement in the Golden Age of Hollywood musicals.

13. Army Men

    Released in 1938 by Bergen Toy & Novelty Co.

    On January 1, 1938, the landscape of children's play was quietly revolutionized with the debut of plastic toy soldiers by the Bergen Toy & Novelty Co. (Beton). While metal toy soldiers had been collectibles for decades, this date marks the beginning of their mass-market, affordable plastic counterparts in the United States. In a world teetering on the brink of another major conflict and just emerging from the Great Depression, these small figures were a product of their time. They offered an inexpensive and accessible way for children to engage in imaginative play that mirrored the growing military consciousness of the era, making them an instant and enduring classic.

14. Cargo pants

    Released in 1938 by British military

    Cargo pants burst onto the scene in 1938, not on a fashion runway, but on the battlefields, designed for the British military. Their immediate success stemmed from their revolutionary utility, offering soldiers unparalleled carrying capacity right on their person. This ingenious design, featuring large, functional pockets, quickly proved invaluable for carrying maps, ammunition, and medical supplies. Though born out of necessity in wartime, their practicality and rugged aesthetic laid the groundwork for a transition from military essential to a global fashion phenomenon, eventually becoming a staple for workers, adventurers, and style-conscious individuals worldwide.

15. My Son, My Son!

    Released in 1938 by Howard Spring, Viking Press

    Published in 1938, Howard Spring's 'My Son, My Son!' exploded onto the literary scene as a profound exploration of parental love and its destructive potential. At a time when the world stood on the precipice of war, readers found solace and intense drama in its pages, propelling it to become the Publishers Weekly #3 Bestselling Novel of the year. This powerful family saga captured the hearts and minds of a generation, becoming a cultural phenomenon that highlighted the complexities of human relationships against a backdrop of societal change. Its immediate popularity underscored a widespread craving for emotionally rich narratives that delved deep into the human condition, making it an undeniable literary triumph of its era.

16. Platform shoe

    Released in 1938 by Salvatore Ferragamo, Salvatore Ferragamo

    The platform shoe, an enduring symbol of height, spectacle, and defiance, dramatically re-entered the modern fashion consciousness in the late 1930s, gaining immense popularity and cultural significance. Though its roots trace back to antiquity, it was Salvatore Ferragamo's innovative "Rainbow" sandal for Judy Garland in 1938 that marked a pivotal moment, introducing an architectural elegance to the elevated sole. This initial success laid the groundwork for its explosive resurgence in the 1970s, becoming synonymous with disco glam, rebellious youth culture, and a bold departure from conventional footwear. Its immediate appeal lay in its ability to transform stature and silhouette, offering wearers a powerful new mode of self-expression that resonated across diverse subcultures and fashion trends, cementing its status as a commercial and cultural phenomenon.

17. The Yearling

    Released in 1938 by Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings, Charles Scribner's Sons

    In 1938, as the world teetered on the brink of war and America grappled with the lingering shadows of the Great Depression, Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings's 'The Yearling' emerged as a beacon of poignant storytelling, instantly capturing the nation's heart. Published by Charles Scribner's Sons, this novel wasn't just a book; it was a cultural phenomenon that offered solace and escapism to millions. Its vivid portrayal of a boy's coming-of-age in the rustic Florida scrub, interwoven with themes of nature, responsibility, and loss, resonated deeply with readers seeking authenticity and emotional depth. Its immediate success positioned it as a dominant bestseller, signifying a profound connection between Rawlings's narrative and the public's yearning for tales of resilience and humanity.