History's Best Selling Products of 1939

1. Jesse James

   Released in 1939 by Henry King, 20th Century Fox

   On January 13, 1939, the silver screens lit up with the premiere of 'Jesse James,' a cinematic spectacle that would become one of the year's most significant box office successes. This gripping Western captivated audiences by reimagining the legendary outlaw as a wronged hero, an approach that resonated deeply during the Great Depression. The film not only launched a new wave of romanticized outlaw narratives but also firmly established 20th Century Fox's prowess in crafting grand, Technicolor historical dramas. Its initial release date marked the beginning of a cultural phenomenon, cementing the myth of Jesse James in the hearts and minds of a generation and influencing the Western genre for decades to come.

2. Studebaker Champion

   Released in 1939 by Studebaker

   On March 2, 1939, the first Studebaker Champion rolled off the assembly line in South Bend, Indiana, marking a pivotal moment for the venerable automaker. Still recovering from its 1933 receivership, Studebaker desperately needed a hit product to secure its future. The Champion was that product—a bold gamble to enter the fiercely competitive low-priced field dominated by Ford, Chevrolet, and Plymouth. This date represents not just the launch of a new car, but the beginning of a corporate revival. The Champion was engineered from the ground up to be affordable, economical, and stylish, embodying the hopes of thousands of workers and a brand determined to survive the lingering effects of the Great Depression.

3. Dodge City

   Released in 1939 by Michael Curtiz, Warner Bros.

   On April 8, 1939, Warner Bros. unleashed 'Dodge City' upon audiences, marking a significant moment in the Golden Age of Hollywood Westerns. This action-packed spectacle, starring screen legends Errol Flynn and Olivia de Havilland, quickly galloped to box office success, cementing its place as one of the year's top earners. Its premiere wasn't just another movie release; it was a grand cinematic event that showcased the genre's enduring appeal, featuring thrilling sequences and a classic tale of law versus chaos. The film's robust performance underscored the public's appetite for epic Westerns, solidifying its status as a foundational entry in its category and an enduring classic.

4. THE GRAPES OF WRATH

   Released in 1939 by John Steinbeck, Viking Press

   Dive into the raw heart of America's Great Depression with John Steinbeck's seminal novel, 'The Grapes of Wrath.' Published in 1939, this literary masterpiece struck the nation like a thunderclap, exposing the brutal realities faced by migrant workers fleeing the Dust Bowl. It quickly became a cultural touchstone, igniting fervent debate and forever altering the landscape of American social consciousness. Steinbeck's powerful narrative of human resilience, desperation, and the enduring quest for dignity captures a pivotal moment in history with unflinching honesty and profound empathy. Prepare to be moved by a story that continues to echo through generations, a testament to the human spirit's capacity to endure.

5. The Wizard of Oz

   Released in 1939 by Victor Fleming, Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer

   On August 25, 1939, following a handful of exclusive premieres, Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer's lavish musical fantasy "The Wizard of Oz" was released to the general American public. At the time, it was one of the most expensive and technologically ambitious films ever produced. While its initial box office run was respectable, it wasn't the smash hit the studio hoped for. This date, however, marks the beginning of the film's journey into the public consciousness, a journey that would see it transcend its medium to become one of the most beloved and culturally significant motion pictures in the history of cinema, defining childhood for generations to come.

6. The Women

   Released in 1939 by George Cukor, Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer

   On September 1, 1939, the cinematic masterpiece 'The Women' premiered, captivating audiences with its sharp wit and dazzling all-female cast. This date marks the initial theatrical release for the film in the United States, launching what would become a cultural touchstone and a significant box office success for Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer amidst the tumultuous backdrop of the late 1930s. Earning an estimated $1,610,000 in box office, this film broke new ground by portraying an intricate world exclusively populated by women, cementing its place as an indelible part of Hollywood history and a testament to the era's glamorous yet incisive storytelling.

7. The Rains Came

   Released in 1939 by Clarence Brown, 20th Century Fox

   The Rains Came premiered on September 8, 1939, just as the world braced for conflict. This disaster epic arrived with impressive visual effects and a star-studded cast, captivating audiences with its blend of romance and tragedy against an exotic backdrop. Its release marked a significant moment for 20th Century Fox, becoming one of its highest-grossing films of the year. The film’s critical and commercial success was immediate, offering a thrilling escape to moviegoers at a time of escalating global tension, establishing its place as a quintessential example of Hollywood’s Golden Age spectacle. The initial box office performance underscored its broad appeal, solidifying its status as a major cinematic event of 1939.

8. Babes in Arms

   Released in 1939 by Busby Berkeley, Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer

   On September 15th, 1939, a cinematic gem burst onto the silver screen, captivating audiences and solidifying the burgeoning stardom of its young leads: 'Babes in Arms'. This date marked the original theatrical premiere of Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer's vibrant musical, a film that not only became a significant commercial success but also etched itself into the annals of Hollywood history. Directed by the legendary Busby Berkeley, the movie quickly established itself as a beacon of youthful energy and escapist entertainment during a tumultuous era, delighting viewers with its catchy tunes and spirited performances. Its launch was more than just another movie release; it was a cultural event that amplified the star power of Judy Garland and Mickey Rooney, making this premiere date a pivotal moment in their careers and for the musical genre.

9. Mr. Smith Goes to Washington

   Released in 1939 by Frank Capra, Columbia Pictures

   The cinematic masterpiece 'Mr. Smith Goes to Washington' burst onto the silver screen on October 17, 1939, premiering at Radio City Music Hall in New York City. This wasn't just another movie launch; it was the debut of a film that would swiftly become a cornerstone of American cinema, sparking both immense critical acclaim and significant political controversy. Frank Capra's timeless tale of idealism versus corruption struck a profound chord with audiences amidst the tumultuous global landscape of 1939, establishing itself as an immediate cultural touchstone and solidifying its place in film history as a powerful narrative celebrating democratic principles. The special significance of this date lies in marking the first public viewing of a film that would forever influence political dramas and cinematic storytelling.

10. View-Master

    Released in 1939 by Sawyer's Photo Services / William Gruber

    On November 1, 1939, visitors to the New York World's Fair were introduced to a groundbreaking new device that promised to transport them to faraway lands in stunning 3D. The View-Master, invented by William Gruber and produced by Sawyer's Photo Services, made its public debut. Initially marketed not as a children's toy but as an educational and souvenir item for adults, it offered stereoscopic reels of scenic American attractions like Carlsbad Caverns. This launch date marks the birth of an icon, a moment when the public first glimpsed a future where immersive visual experiences could be held in the palm of their hands, long before virtual reality became a household concept.

11. Drums Along the Mohawk

    Released in 1939 by John Ford, 20th Century Fox

    On November 3, 1939, audiences in Utica, New York, witnessed the historic premiere of 'Drums Along the Mohawk,' a cinematic milestone that marked director John Ford's first foray into Technicolor. This initial screening paved the way for its wider release, quickly establishing it as a commercial success in a year already brimming with classic films. The movie's strong box office performance, generating an estimated $1.558 million in domestic rentals, underscored its immediate appeal and cemented its place as a significant contribution to 1939's golden age of Hollywood. The date represents not just a film release, but a bold step in visual storytelling and a compelling adaptation of a beloved historical novel.

12. Gone with the Wind

    Released in 1939 by Victor Fleming, Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer

    On December 15, 1939, a cinematic marvel descended upon the Loews Grand Theatre in Atlanta, Georgia, forever etching its place in film history: 'Gone with the Wind.' This date marked the highly anticipated world theatrical premiere of David O. Selznick's epic production, transforming what could have been just another movie into a monumental cultural event. The buzz leading up to its release was unprecedented, fueled by the novel's immense popularity and the exhaustive search for its leading lady, Scarlett O'Hara. From the moment its grand overture filled the air, the film was destined for record-breaking success, capturing the hearts of millions and setting new benchmarks for box office performance and cinematic spectacle. The premiere itself was a three-day celebration, attended by the film's stars and dignitaries, cementing 'Gone with the Wind' as a historical milestone.

13. The Hunchback of Notre Dame

    Released in 1939 by William Dieterle, RKO Radio Pictures

    Premiering on December 31, 1939, 'The Hunchback of Notre Dame' was a magnificent final flourish to what is often hailed as the greatest year in Hollywood's history. In a twelve-month span that had already delivered 'Gone with the Wind' and 'The Wizard of Oz,' this RKO production arrived to stake its own claim as a cinematic masterpiece. The New Year's Eve release positioned the film as a major holiday event, a prestige picture designed to captivate audiences with its epic scale and profound emotional depth. It was more than just a movie premiere; it was the closing statement of an unparalleled era of filmmaking, showcasing the artistic ambition and technical wizardry of Hollywood's Golden Age.

14. Cat eye glasses

    Released in 1939 by Altina Schinasi Miranda

    The iconic cat eye glasses, with their distinctive upswept frames, first emerged from the inventive mind of Altina Schinasi Miranda, who patented her 'Harlequin' glasses design in 1939. While the broader 'cat eye' style gained immense popularity in the 1950s and 60s, Miranda's original creation laid the foundational aesthetic. These glasses immediately captured the imagination, offering a refreshing departure from traditional round or rectangular frames. Their unique shape quickly became synonymous with sophistication and playful femininity, making them an instant cultural and commercial success, particularly as they were embraced by fashion-forward women and, later, Hollywood's elite.

15. How Green Was My Valley

    Released in 1939 by Richard Llewellyn, Macmillan

    In 1939, as the world plunged into the chaos of World War II, Richard Llewellyn's 'How Green Was My Valley' emerged as a poignant literary sensation, offering readers a powerful blend of nostalgia, hardship, and the enduring strength of family. Published in the U.S. that year, it quickly ascended bestseller lists, captivating an audience yearning for stories of resilience and community. The novel became a cultural phenomenon, lauded for its vivid portrayal of a Welsh mining village and its deeply human characters, painting a rich tapestry of life, love, and loss that resonated profoundly with a populace grappling with its own rapidly changing world. Its immediate popularity underscored a collective desire for narratives that spoke to the heart of human experience.

16. Kitty Foyle

    Released in 1939 by Christopher Morley, J. B. Lippincott & Co.

    In 1939, amidst the looming shadow of World War II, Christopher Morley's 'Kitty Foyle' burst onto the American literary scene, quickly becoming a runaway bestseller and a cultural touchstone. It captivated readers with its refreshingly candid portrayal of a modern working woman navigating love, class divides, and personal independence. The novel resonated deeply with a nation undergoing rapid social changes, offering a voice to the aspirations and dilemmas of the burgeoning female workforce, particularly the 'white-collar girl.' Its immediate popularity cemented its place as a significant literary event of its era, reflecting contemporary anxieties and desires with remarkable clarity and wit.

17. Red Ryder BB Gun

    Released in 1939 by Daisy Outdoor Products

    On January 1, 1939, a pivotal agreement was signed that would create one of the most iconic toys in American history. On this day, Daisy Manufacturing Company, already a prominent maker of air rifles, finalized a licensing deal with Stephen Slesinger, the savvy New York publisher and rights holder for the popular comic strip cowboy, Red Ryder. This New Year's Day agreement officially granted Daisy the rights to use the character's name and likeness. This wasn't the public launch of the product, but rather the crucial business handshake that set the stage for a legend. The contract transformed what would have been a standard Daisy air rifle into the coveted 'Red Ryder BB Gun,' forever linking the toy to the adventures of America's favorite fictional cowboy and ensuring its place in the heart of millions of children for decades to come.