History's Best Selling Products of 1933

Make way for the hits of 1933! This remarkable era stood as a testament to the golden era of American industry and the march of first-rate items. Crowd-pleasers such as 42nd Street shared the spotlight with mega-bestsellers Gold Diggers of 1933 and I'm No Angel. Brought to you by top-notch makers from industry leaders like Lloyd Bacon and Mervyn LeRoy, these trailblazing products swept main street from coast to coast as genuine top-flight hits and earned a permanent place in cultural lore. Check out the complete rank-ordered ledger below to relive the finest releases of the year.

1. 42nd Street

   Released in 1933 by Lloyd Bacon, Warner Bros.

   February 2, 1933, marked the world theatrical premiere of '42nd Street' in New York City, a dazzling cinematic event that wasn't just another musical, but a lifeline for Hollywood. Released at the nadir of the Great Depression, this film single-handedly revitalized the musical genre and became a massive box office hit, pulling Warner Bros. from the brink of bankruptcy. Its debut was a testament to the power of escapism and entertainment, instantly captivating audiences with its lavish production numbers and a classic underdog story. This specific date is celebrated as the moment a cultural phenomenon burst onto the screen, setting new standards for movie musicals and offering a much-needed dose of joy and spectacle to a struggling nation.

2. Gold Diggers of 1933

   Released in 1933 by Mervyn LeRoy, Warner Bros.

   On May 27, 1933, Warner Bros. unveiled 'Gold Diggers of 1933' to American audiences, a dazzling cinematic spectacle that became an instant sensation amidst the gloom of the Great Depression. This premiere marked the beginning of a remarkable box office run for a film celebrated for its daring pre-Code content, stunning musical numbers, and poignant reflection of its era. More than just entertainment, it offered a much-needed escape and a cultural mirror, solidifying its place as one of the most iconic musicals in Hollywood history and a cornerstone of the Busby Berkeley legacy.

3. I'm No Angel

   Released in 1933 by Wesley Ruggles, Paramount Pictures

   On August 4, 1933, the world was introduced to Mae West's audacious wit and uninhibited charm with the premiere of 'I'm No Angel.' This cinematic event wasn't just another film release; it was a cultural phenomenon that further cemented West's status as a bona fide superstar and a box office savior for Paramount Pictures. Coming on the heels of her previous hit, 'She Done Him Wrong,' this movie delivered on its promise of irreverent humor and risqué allure, captivating audiences and shattering box office records. Its debut date marked the genesis of another legendary chapter in pre-Code Hollywood history, a testament to West's unique ability to blend sex appeal with an independent spirit, making it a truly special moment in film.

4. Tugboat Annie

   Released in 1933 by Mervyn LeRoy, Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer

   On August 4, 1933, the cinemas ushered in the release of 'Tugboat Annie', a charming and robust comedy-drama that would quickly capture the hearts of Depression-era audiences. Starring the beloved duo of Marie Dressler and Wallace Beery, this film was an instant box office success for Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer, becoming one of the highest-grossing films of the year. Its premiere marked the debut of a cinematic classic, a heartwarming tale of an indomitable female tugboat captain and her boisterous husband, offering much-needed escapism and laughter during challenging times. This particular date signifies the official launch of a film that cemented its stars' status and created a lasting legacy.

5. Dinner at Eight

   Released in 1933 by George Cukor, Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer

   August 23, 1933, marked the grand premiere of 'Dinner at Eight,' an cinematic event that captured the public's imagination and became a significant success during the depths of the Great Depression. This date launched a film that would go on to be celebrated for its razor-sharp wit, poignant drama, and an ensemble cast that read like a who's who of Hollywood royalty. Released by Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer, the film quickly established itself as a critical darling and a box office hit, offering audiences a potent blend of escapism and social commentary. Its initial release was not just a screening; it was a cultural moment, showcasing MGM's power to assemble an all-star roster and deliver a sophisticated narrative that transcended the era's economic gloom, setting a new standard for ensemble dramas.

6. Footlight Parade

   Released in 1933 by Lloyd Bacon, Warner Bros. Pictures

   On September 30, 1933, the lights dimmed in cinemas across America for the premiere of 'Footlight Parade,' a dazzling cinematic spectacle that arrived like a much-needed burst of joy during the depths of the Great Depression. This date marked the launch of one of Warner Bros.' most iconic pre-Code musicals, a film that not only offered audiences a lavish escape but also proved to be a significant box office success, cementing its place in the golden age of Hollywood musicals. Its unique blend of fast-paced storytelling, snappy dialogue, and groundbreaking musical numbers set it apart, making its original theatrical debut a memorable event that would echo through cinematic history.

7. Microscope Set

   Released in 1933 by Porter Chemical Company

   On October 1, 1933, the Porter Chemical Company officially laid the groundwork for a new frontier in educational play by filing for the 'Microcraft' trademark. This date marks the formal commercial beginning of their iconic microscope sets. Launched in the midst of the Great Depression, a time when families prioritized value and education, the Microcraft line was perfectly positioned. It offered not just a toy, but an instrument of discovery, promising to unlock the hidden wonders of the natural world for any child. This move expanded Harold Porter's vision beyond chemistry, establishing a brand that would inspire future scientists and hobbyists by making the powerful tool of microscopy accessible and exciting for home use.

8. Dancing Lady

   Released in 1933 by Robert Z. Leonard, Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer

   On November 24, 1933, the silver screens were graced by the dazzling musical-comedy 'Dancing Lady,' marking a significant moment in Hollywood history. This premiere introduced audiences to a formidable showcase of star power, primarily featuring the dynamic Joan Crawford, supported by Franchot Tone, and most notably, serving as the cinematic debut of the legendary Fred Astaire. Released by Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer during the heart of the Great Depression, the film quickly danced its way into the hearts and wallets of moviegoers, achieving a remarkable box office performance that cemented its status as one of the year's commercial successes. This specific date is special as it ushered in a new era for musical films, establishing a benchmark for lavish production and star-studded entertainment that would captivate millions.

9. She Done Him Wrong

   Released in 1933 by Lowell Sherman, Paramount Pictures

   On December 22, 1933, the cinematic world was graced with the premiere of 'She Done Him Wrong,' a film that would cement Mae West's status as a bona fide superstar and a defiant icon of the pre-Code era. Released at a time when Hollywood was teetering on the edge of strict censorship, this movie was a spectacular success, showcasing West's signature wit, audacious sexuality, and groundbreaking autonomy. The film wasn't just a box office triumph; it was a cultural phenomenon, pulling Paramount Pictures back from the brink of bankruptcy and solidifying its place in film history as a bold, unforgettable piece of entertainment. Its debut marked a pivotal moment for both the studio and its leading lady, launching a legacy that continues to fascinate audiences.

10. Roman Scandals

    Released in 1933 by Frank Tuttle, Samuel Goldwyn Productions

    A vibrant, audacious cinematic experience burst onto the screen on Christmas Day, December 25, 1933, with the premiere of "Roman Scandals." This musical comedy, starring the immensely popular Eddie Cantor, offered audiences a much-needed dose of escapism and laughter during the challenging era of the Great Depression. The film was a significant release for Samuel Goldwyn Productions and United Artists, showcasing lavish production values and daring pre-Code content that pushed boundaries. Its debut wasn't just another movie opening; it was a cultural event, promising spectacle, humor, and a dazzling array of musical numbers orchestrated by the legendary Busby Berkeley, marking its place as a memorable highlight of early 1930s Hollywood.

11. Ann Vickers

    Released in 1933 by Sinclair Lewis, Doubleday, Doran & Company

    Ann Vickers burst onto the literary scene in 1933, captivating readers as a vibrant portrayal of a modern woman's journey in a rapidly changing America. As a Publishers Weekly #3 Bestseller, it became a significant cultural phenomenon during the Great Depression, offering a compelling narrative of ambition, social reform, and personal struggle. Sinclair Lewis, fresh off his Nobel Prize win, delivered a novel that resonated deeply with an audience grappling with societal shifts and the evolving roles of women, cementing its place as a quintessential read of its era and sparking widespread discussion about its bold themes and unflinching realism.

12. Anthony Adverse

    Released in 1933 by Hervey Allen, Farrar & Rinehart

    When Hervey Allen's colossal novel, 'Anthony Adverse,' burst onto the literary scene in 1933, it wasn't just a book release; it was a cultural event that captivated a nation reeling from the Great Depression. This sprawling historical epic offered millions a much-needed escape, transporting them far beyond their daily struggles into a vibrant 18th and 19th-century world of adventure, romance, and intrigue. Its immediate and overwhelming popularity cemented its status as a phenomenon, becoming the year's undisputed bestseller and a touchstone for discussions about grand storytelling and the power of narrative to transport and inspire readers during tumultuous times. It was more than a novel; it was a societal immersion.

13. Little Man, What Now?

    Released in 1933 by Hans Fallada, Rowohlt Verlag

    Hans Fallada’s 'Little Man, What Now?' burst onto the literary scene in 1933, captivating readers across the globe with its raw honesty and profound empathy. Published first in Germany in 1932 as 'Kleiner Mann – was nun?', its English translation in 1933 swiftly transformed it into an international phenomenon. At a time when the world grappled with the devastating effects of the Great Depression, this novel offered a mirror to the anxieties, struggles, and quiet resilience of ordinary people. It became an instant cultural touchstone, resonating deeply with a populace navigating economic collapse and an uncertain future, solidifying its place as one of the most significant books of the era.

14. Lost Horizon

    Released in 1933 by James Hilton, William Morrow and Company

    James Hilton's 'Lost Horizon' emerged in 1935 as a beacon of escapism, captivating a world grappling with the Great Depression and the ominous shadows of impending war. Its launch was perfectly timed, offering readers a fantastical journey to a hidden paradise far removed from terrestrial anxieties. The novel swiftly ascended bestseller lists, becoming a cultural phenomenon not just for its compelling narrative but for introducing the enduring concept of 'Shangri-La' – a mystical, isolated valley of peace and timelessness. It tapped into a profound human desire for utopia, solace, and the possibility of a better world, making it an instant classic and a much-discussed book of its era.

15. Oil for the Lamps of China

    Released in 1933 by Alice Tisdale Hobart, Bobbs-Merrill

    Alice Tisdale Hobart's 'Oil for the Lamps of China' burst onto the literary scene in 1933, quickly becoming a beacon of narrative amidst the gloom of the Great Depression. This compelling novel captivated a nation grappling with economic hardship, offering a vivid window into the demanding world of American expatriates in pre-World War II China. Its immediate success wasn't merely due to escapism; it tapped into deeper anxieties about corporate loyalty, personal sacrifice, and the relentless pursuit of profit. The book became a cultural touchstone, generating widespread discussion and establishing Hobart as a significant voice in American fiction, portraying a unique blend of adventure, romance, and corporate drama that resonated with a broad audience.

16. One More River

    Released in 1933 by John Galsworthy, Charles Scribner's Sons

    Published posthumously in 1933, John Galsworthy's 'One More River' immediately captured the public imagination, securing its place as the #5 bestselling novel of the year according to Publishers Weekly. Coming after his death in January 1933, the book served as a poignant final literary offering from a Nobel laureate whose name was synonymous with discerning social commentary and compelling narrative. Its release was a significant cultural event, drawing readers eager to immerse themselves in Galsworthy's familiar world of English upper-class life and its intricate moral dilemmas, solidifying his enduring legacy even in his absence.

17. Polo shirt

    Released in 1933 by Lacoste, René Lacoste

    The launch of the modern polo shirt by René Lacoste in 1933 was a game-changer in sportswear and casual fashion. Initially designed for the tennis court, it quickly transcended its athletic origins due to its unprecedented comfort and stylish appeal. Lacoste, known as "the Crocodile," sought to revolutionize the stiff, long-sleeved tennis attire of his era, introducing a garment that allowed for greater freedom of movement and breathability. Its immediate popularity among athletes and a fashion-conscious public alike was profound, establishing the polo shirt as an instant success that perfectly blended functionality with a relaxed, yet refined, aesthetic, setting the stage for its eventual global dominance.

18. The Autobiography of Alice B. Toklas

    Released in 1933 by Gertrude Stein, Harcourt, Brace and Company

    The Autobiography of Alice B. Toklas, released in 1933, stands as a pivotal historical document and a literary landmark, particularly significant in an era grappling with the Great Depression and looming global conflicts. This memoir brilliantly captured the effervescent spirit of artistic modernism and the influential expatriate community in Paris during the early 20th century. Its publication marked a dramatic shift in Gertrude Stein's career, transforming her from an avant-garde writer known primarily to a select literary circle into a celebrated author. The book not only chronicled an extraordinary period of cultural innovation but also made the often-intimidating world of modern art and literature accessible and engaging to a wide general audience, bridging the gap between high modernism and popular readership during a tumultuous decade.

19. The Farm

    Released in 1933 by Louis Bromfield, Harper & Brothers

    Louis Bromfield's "The Farm" burst onto the literary scene in 1933, quickly capturing the imagination of a nation grappling with the Great Depression. As the #9 bestselling novel of its release year according to Publishers Weekly, it became a significant cultural phenomenon. This semi-autobiographical work offered readers a poignant escape and a resonant reflection on American heritage, providing a vital connection to a bygone era of rural simplicity amidst economic turmoil. Its immediate popularity underscored a widespread yearning for roots and tradition, making it more than just a book, but a comforting touchstone in uncertain times.

20. The Forty Days of Musa Dagh

    Released in 1933 by Franz Werfel, Viking Press

    When "The Forty Days of Musa Dagh" debuted in English in 1934, gaining widespread acclaim and becoming a bestseller in 1933, it wasn't merely a novel; it was a thunderous literary event. Franz Werfel's epic tale captivated readers across America, becoming a Book-of-the-Month Club selection and solidifying its place as the 6th bestselling novel of the year. Its immense popularity stemmed from its powerful narrative of human resilience and resistance against overwhelming odds, offering a poignant mirror to the anxieties and moral dilemmas of a world teetering on the brink of another global conflict and rising totalitarianism.