What Was Popular in 1935: Best Sellers of 1935

Hats off to 1935! Few items commanded as much fanfare and nationwide excitement as Roberta. Alongside sensationally popular hits like China Seas and The Crusades, consumers eagerly embraced the swell Yankee ingenuity and home-front craftsmanship. Pioneering outfits from industry leaders like William A. Seiter and Tay Garnett set the standard for quality, producing celebrated items that swept main street from coast to coast as genuine top-flight hits. Browse our definitive retrospective below to rediscover the genuine articles of the era.

1. Roberta

   Released in 1935 by William A. Seiter, RKO Radio Pictures

   On March 8, 1935, RKO Radio Pictures unveiled 'Roberta' to American audiences, marking another triumphant chapter in the golden age of Hollywood musicals. This lavish production, an adaptation of the popular Broadway show, quickly cemented its status as a critical and commercial success, further solidifying the legendary on-screen partnership of Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers. Its release during the height of the Great Depression offered much-needed escapism, dazzling viewers with its sophisticated humor, unforgettable music, and spectacular dance numbers. The film's premiere was not just an event; it was a reaffirmation of the power of musical cinema to uplift and entertain, contributing significantly to RKO's financial stability and its reputation for quality entertainment.

2. China Seas

   Released in 1935 by Tay Garnett, Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer

   August 9, 1935, marked the electrifying premiere of 'China Seas,' an action-packed adventure film that brought together two of Hollywood's biggest stars, Clark Gable and Jean Harlow, in a fiery on-screen reunion. This date was a major event for Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer, launching a picture that would become one of the year's top grossers, solidifying the box office power of its leading duo. The film’s launch promised audiences a thrilling escape into exotic locales, dangerous romance, and maritime intrigue, making its debut a highly anticipated cinematic moment that set the stage for its significant commercial success.

3. The Crusades

   Released in 1935 by Cecil B. DeMille, Paramount Pictures

   The grand premiere of Cecil B. DeMille's epic, "The Crusades," on August 21, 1935, marked a significant moment in Hollywood's golden age of spectacle. This monumental historical drama, brought to the screen by the legendary director, promised audiences an immersive journey into one of history's most tumultuous eras. While its box office performance of nearly $1.5 million was substantial for the time, reflecting its ambitious scope and star power, the film faced immense production costs, making this premiere date a launch into both critical fascination and financial scrutiny for Paramount Pictures. It was a bold cinematic endeavor that aimed to transport viewers back to the religious wars of the 12th century, underscoring DeMille's enduring appeal for lavish historical productions.

4. Top Hat

   Released in 1935 by Mark Sandrich, RKO Radio Pictures

   On August 29, 1935, the cinematic world was graced with the premiere of "Top Hat," a dazzling musical comedy that would solidify Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers as an iconic screen duo. This release marked a pinnacle in the RKO-produced Astaire-Rogers series, offering Depression-era audiences much-needed escapism through its luxurious settings, witty dialogue, and, most notably, its breathtaking dance numbers. The film's immediate success at the box office wasn't just a testament to its stars' undeniable chemistry but also to the masterful craftsmanship behind every frame, establishing it as an instant classic and a benchmark for the golden age of Hollywood musicals.

5. Steamboat Round the Bend

   Released in 1935 by John Ford, Fox Film Corporation

   On September 8, 1935, movie screens across North America lit up with 'Steamboat Round the Bend,' a cinematic event that quickly became a bittersweet milestone in Hollywood history. This premiere marked the commercial release of what would tragically be the last completed film starring the beloved American humorist and actor, Will Rogers. Launched by Fox Film Corporation, the movie quickly captivated audiences, drawing an impressive box office of over $1.5 million at a time when entertainment offered a crucial escape from the Great Depression. Its release was tinged with a profound sense of loss, as Rogers had died in an airplane crash just weeks before, transforming the film from a charming comedy into a poignant farewell from one of America's most cherished stars, making this date a significant moment in film and cultural memory.

6. It Can't Happen Here

   Released in 1935 by Sinclair Lewis, Doubleday, Doran & Company

   The 1935 publication of Sinclair Lewis's "It Can't Happen Here" struck the American public like a lightning bolt, instantly becoming a cultural sensation. Released amidst the Great Depression and the ominous rise of fascism in Europe, the novel served as a chillingly prescient warning, capturing the pervasive anxieties of a nation grappling with its own democratic ideals. Its title alone became a potent slogan, sparking widespread debate and introspection about the fragility of freedom. Lewis, already a Nobel laureate, leveraged his literary prowess to craft a narrative so vivid and unsettling that it catapulted the book onto bestseller lists, forcing Americans to confront the uncomfortable possibility that totalitarianism wasn't a distant foreign threat but a shadow lurking disturbingly close to home. It wasn't just a book; it was a societal mirror, reflecting fears that resonated deeply across the political spectrum.

7. Monopoly

   Released in 1935 by Parker Brothers, Elizabeth Magie

   Monopoly launched in 1935 by Parker Brothers, quickly becoming a sensation during the Great Depression. Its arrival offered a much-needed escape, allowing players to engage in the fantasy of accumulating wealth and real estate, a stark contrast to the economic realities of the time. The game's straightforward yet strategic gameplay, combined with its aspirational themes, made it an instant cultural phenomenon, securing its place as a staple in households across America and soon, the world. It wasn't just a game; it was a symbol of hope and a shared social experience, offering a glimpse into the thrill of financial success.

8. Mutiny on the Bounty

   Released in 1935 by Frank Lloyd, Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer

   On November 8, 1935, the cinematic world was captivated by the premiere of 'Mutiny on the Bounty,' an epic adventure film that would etch itself into Hollywood history. This monumental release from Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer wasn't just another movie; it was a grand spectacle, lauded by critics and adored by audiences, setting new benchmarks for storytelling and production value in its era. Its initial launch heralded a remarkable box office performance, solidifying its place as one of the highest-grossing films of 1935 and ultimately earning the coveted Academy Award for Best Picture. The film's compelling narrative, stellar cast, and immersive production ensured that this specific date marked the beginning of a legendary run for a true cinematic masterpiece.

9. In Old Kentucky

   Released in 1935 by George Marshall, Twentieth Century Fox Film Corporation

   November 15, 1935, marked a poignant moment in cinematic history with the release of "In Old Kentucky." This film, notable for being the final screen appearance of beloved humorist Will Rogers, alongside the burgeoning superstar Shirley Temple, captivated audiences during the Great Depression. Its premiere offered a blend of heartwarming drama, music, and patriotic spirit, serving as a significant cultural event that provided much-needed escapism and cemented its place as a classic piece of early Hollywood. The date itself became a marker for the end of an era for one star and the continued ascent of another, drawing considerable attention and emotional resonance from the public.

10. Black Reconstruction in America

    Released in 1935 by W.E.B. Du Bois, Harcourt, Brace and Company

    W.E.B. Du Bois's "Black Reconstruction in America," published in 1935, stands as a pivotal text that profoundly reoriented the study of American history. Released amidst the Great Depression and pervasive Jim Crow segregation, the book directly confronted the dominant Dunning School of thought, which portrayed Reconstruction as a disastrous period of Black misrule. Du Bois meticulously argued for the crucial role of Black laborers as active participants in shaping post-Civil War society, rather than passive recipients or incompetent figures. This radical reinterpretation was historically significant for its courage to challenge a deeply entrenched racist consensus and its foresight in advocating for a labor-centric, bottom-up view of history decades before such approaches became mainstream, thereby laying foundational groundwork for future Civil Rights scholarship.

11. Come and Get It

    Released in 1935 by Edna Ferber, Doubleday, Doran & Company

    Edna Ferber's 'Come and Get It,' published in 1935, burst onto the American literary scene amidst the Great Depression, offering readers a captivating escape into the lavish, yet complex, world of Wisconsin’s timber barons. This sprawling family saga quickly cemented its place as a national bestseller, captivating a public hungry for stories of ambition, struggle, and the enduring human spirit. Its immediate popularity wasn't merely due to Ferber's established reputation as a master storyteller; the novel tapped into a collective fascination with American industrial dynasties and the dramatic lives shaped by immense wealth and relentless pursuit of power, making it a significant cultural touchstone of its era.

12. Wedge (footwear)

    Released in 1935 by Salvatore Ferragamo, Salvatore Ferragamo

    The wedge shoe, a footwear icon that seamlessly blends comfort with elevated style, first stepped onto the fashion scene in 1935, thanks to the ingenious mind of Italian designer Salvatore Ferragamo. His groundbreaking creation offered a radical departure from traditional high heels, presenting a continuous, solid sole that extended from the heel to the ball of the foot. This innovative design was not just a stylistic novelty; it was a practical triumph, offering stability and ease of wear previously unseen in fashionable elevated footwear. Its immediate success was fueled by its unique aesthetic and ergonomic benefits, quickly capturing the attention of trendsetters and solidifying its place as a staple in women's wardrobes across the globe.

13. Of Time and the River

    Released in 1935 by Thomas Wolfe, Charles Scribner's Sons

    Of Time and the River" burst onto the literary scene in 1935, immediately cementing Thomas Wolfe’s status as a major American novelist. Following the critical success of "Look Homeward, Angel," this ambitious sequel was met with immense anticipation and quickly became a national sensation. In a decade grappling with the Great Depression, Wolfe's sprawling, lyrical narrative offered readers an immersive escape and a deeply personal exploration of the American experience. Its publication was a significant cultural event, captivating a broad audience with its raw emotional power and grand scope, solidifying its place as a definitive literary phenomenon of the era.

14. The Last Puritan

    Released in 1935 by George Santayana, Charles Scribner's Sons

    Published in 1935, George Santayana's 'The Last Puritan' was an unexpected literary sensation, catapulting a renowned philosopher into the ranks of bestselling novelists. This deeply reflective and exquisitely written book immediately captured the imagination of readers grappling with the disillusionment of the interwar period. Its unique blend of philosophical depth and rich narrative made it a cultural phenomenon, proving that serious literature could also achieve widespread popularity. Santayana's only novel, its launch was a major event, marking a significant moment in the literary landscape of the mid-1930s and sparking widespread discussion among both critics and the general public.