History's Best Selling Products of 1936

Extra! Extra! On the home front and across the nation, 1936 saw a swell surge of swell Yankee ingenuity and home-front craftsmanship in the world of items! Leading the charge were mighty, top-selling marvels like Strike Me Pink and Rose Marie, capturing the public’s fancy in grand fashion. Distinguished creators from industry leaders like Norman Taurog and W.S. Van Dyke proved their mettle with Modern Times, delivering craftsmanship that swept main street from coast to coast as genuine top-flight hits. Step right up and inspect our complete, rank-ordered historical archive below!

1. Strike Me Pink

   Released in 1936 by Norman Taurog, United Artists

   On January 24, 1936, audiences nationwide were introduced to the energetic antics of Eddie Cantor in the musical comedy "Strike Me Pink." This date marked the film's theatrical premiere, launching a vibrant production that aimed to deliver pure escapism during the challenging times of the Great Depression. As a star vehicle for one of Hollywood's most popular song-and-dance men, its release was a significant event for fans eagerly anticipating Cantor's latest blend of humor, song, and frantic charm. The film quickly proved to be a commercial success, affirming Cantor's enduring appeal and Samuel Goldwyn's acumen in crafting popular entertainment, solidifying its place as a memorable entertainment offering of the era.

2. Rose Marie

   Released in 1936 by W.S. Van Dyke, Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer

   The enchanting musical 'Rose Marie' premiered on January 31, 1936, captivating audiences with its spectacular blend of romance, adventure, and unforgettable melodies. This release marked a significant moment in Hollywood's Golden Age, solidifying the meteoric rise of its beloved stars, Jeanette MacDonald and Nelson Eddy, as one of cinema's most iconic on-screen duos. The film quickly became a major box office sensation for Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer, setting financial benchmarks and demonstrating the enduring appeal of the operetta genre translated to the big screen. Its debut introduced moviegoers to a lavish production set against the stunning backdrop of the Canadian Rockies, promising an escapist journey filled with soaring vocals and dramatic tension that resonated deeply with audiences during the challenging era of the Great Depression.

3. Modern Times

   Released in 1936 by Charles Chaplin, United Artists

   The premiere of Charlie Chaplin's "Modern Times" on February 5, 1936, marked a pivotal moment in cinematic history. Released in an era dominated by "talkies," this film daringly pushed the boundaries by largely retaining Chaplin’s iconic silent film style, albeit with synchronized sound effects and a musical score. Despite this artistic choice, or perhaps because of it, the movie quickly became a commercial success, generating an estimated $1.8 million at the box office during its initial run. This remarkable financial performance underscored Chaplin's enduring appeal and the public's hunger for his unique brand of social commentary wrapped in masterful physical comedy. The date signifies not just a film release, but a powerful artistic statement from one of cinema's greatest pioneers.

4. Three-Point Tractor Hitch

   Released in 1936 by Harry Ferguson

   On February 12, 1936, the world of agriculture was quietly revolutionized not by a new tractor, but by a piece of paper: the official granting of a UK patent to inventor Harry Ferguson. This patent protected what became known as the 'Ferguson System,' a three-point linkage for attaching implements to a tractor. This date is crucial because it legally solidified Ferguson's ownership of an idea that transformed the tractor from a simple brute-force pulling machine into a sophisticated, integrated agricultural tool. Securing this patent was the critical step that allowed Ferguson to later partner with giants like David Brown and Henry Ford, ensuring his invention would reach millions of farms and become the global standard for tractor design.

5. The Great Ziegfeld

   Released in 1936 by Robert Z. Leonard, Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer

   April 8, 1936, marked the grand premiere of 'The Great Ziegfeld,' a colossal musical biopic that instantly captivated audiences and critics alike. This cinematic spectacle, a lavish tribute to the legendary Broadway impresario Florenz Ziegfeld Jr., wasn't just a film release; it was an event. Debuting amidst the tail end of the Great Depression, it offered an unparalleled escape into a world of glamour, music, and opulence, making it an immediate box office sensation. The film's ambitious scale, star-studded cast, and record-breaking budget set a new standard for Hollywood musicals, cementing its place as one of the year's most important cinematic achievements and paving its way to multiple Academy Awards, including Best Picture.

6. Gone with the Wind

   Released in 1936 by Margaret Mitchell, Macmillan

   Margaret Mitchell's 'Gone with the Wind,' published in 1936, burst onto the literary scene as an unparalleled sensation, captivating readers with its sprawling narrative of love, loss, and resilience against the backdrop of the American Civil War and Reconstruction era. This monumental novel quickly transcended its status as a mere book to become a cultural phenomenon, forever etching its dramatic tale of the South into the collective consciousness. Its powerful portrayal of a tumultuous period, combined with unforgettable characters and a gripping storyline, ensured its immediate and enduring legacy, making it one of the most beloved and debated works in American literature.

7. Anthony Adverse

   Released in 1936 by Mervyn LeRoy, Warner Bros.

   July 29, 1936, marked the grand theatrical premiere of 'Anthony Adverse,' a monumental epic drama that instantly captivated audiences worldwide. This date launched one of the most ambitious and successful films of the year for Warner Bros., quickly establishing itself as a critical and commercial triumph. With a substantial box office return for its era, the film not only solidified its place in cinematic history but also showcased Hollywood's burgeoning capacity for adapting vast literary works into visually stunning spectacles. Its release was a significant event, offering a much-needed escape into adventure and romance during the challenging years of the Great Depression, making this premiere date a memorable moment in film lore.

8. Swing Time

   Released in 1936 by George Stevens, RKO Radio Pictures

   On August 27, 1936, audiences were swept off their feet by the premiere of 'Swing Time,' a dazzling musical comedy that would cement the legendary status of Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers. Released by RKO Radio Pictures, this film swiftly became a critical and commercial triumph, bringing much-needed joy and escapism during the Great Depression. Its debut marked not just the arrival of another Astaire-Rogers vehicle, but a pinnacle of their on-screen chemistry and the golden age of Hollywood musicals, with its intricate dance numbers and captivating story enchanting moviegoers from day one.

9. Libeled Lady

   Released in 1936 by Jack Conway, Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer

   On October 9, 1936, the cinematic world was introduced to "Libeled Lady," a sparkling screwball comedy that instantly captivated audiences and critics alike. This release date marked the premiere of a film boasting an unparalleled ensemble cast – Jean Harlow, William Powell, Myrna Loy, and Spencer Tracy – all at the peak of their stardom. Their combined star power and the film's witty script ensured its status as a major event, propelling it to significant box office success and solidifying its place as one of the definitive romantic comedies of the Golden Age of Hollywood. The film’s launch was not just a movie premiere; it was a cultural moment, showcasing MGM's mastery of the genre.

10. After the Thin Man

    Released in 1936 by W. S. Van Dyke, Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer

    After the Thin Man premiered on a festive Christmas Day, December 25, 1936, bringing a delightful dose of sophisticated mystery and sparkling wit to audiences. As the highly anticipated sequel to the immensely popular 'The Thin Man', its release was met with significant enthusiasm, quickly establishing itself as a box office success for Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer. This holiday launch date was strategically chosen to capitalize on the season's movie-going rush, and it paid off handsomely, cementing the film's place as a beloved classic and further solidifying the iconic screen partnership of William Powell and Myrna Loy. The film's immediate popularity highlighted the enduring appeal of its charming leads and clever script.

11. The Plainsman

    Released in 1936 by Cecil B. DeMille, Paramount Pictures

    The Plainsman rode into theaters on December 31, 1936, marking a significant entry into the Western genre and solidifying Cecil B. DeMille's reputation as a master of epic storytelling. This New Year's Eve premiere was more than just another film release; it was a grand cinematic event, a historical spectacle brought to life by the legendary director and a stellar cast. With its impressive box office performance, the film quickly became a commercial success, cementing its place as a quintessential Golden Age Western and a testament to the enduring appeal of frontier legends like Wild Bill Hickok and Calamity Jane to American audiences during the Great Depression.

12. Aviator sunglasses

    Released in 1936 by Ray-Ban, Bausch & Lomb

    The year 1936 marked a pivotal moment in eyewear history with the public release of what would become universally known as Aviator sunglasses. Originally designed by Bausch & Lomb for U.S. military pilots, these revolutionary shades quickly transitioned from a crucial piece of flight equipment to a civilian fashion phenomenon. Their immediate popularity stemmed from a potent combination of cutting-edge functionality—superior glare protection and optical clarity—and an undeniably cool, adventurous aesthetic. The design offered both practical benefits and an aspirational image, allowing wearers to associate themselves with the daring spirit of aviation heroes. This seamless blend of utility and style laid the groundwork for Aviators to become one of the best-selling and most enduring eyewear designs in history, fundamentally reshaping the consumer market for sunglasses.

13. Drums Along the Mohawk

    Released in 1936 by Walter D. Edmonds, Little, Brown and Company

    When Walter D. Edmonds's 'Drums Along the Mohawk' burst onto the literary scene in 1936, it immediately captured the imagination of a nation grappling with the Great Depression. This historical novel offered readers a gripping escape into the tumultuous world of frontier life during the American Revolution, becoming an instant cultural phenomenon. Its robust narrative and vivid portrayal of resilience struck a powerful chord, making it one of the year's top-selling books. Edmonds masterfully blended historical authenticity with compelling human drama, solidifying its place not just as popular fiction but as a significant cultural touchstone, reminding Americans of their foundational struggles and enduring spirit.

14. Eyeless in Gaza

    Released in 1936 by Aldous Huxley, Chatto & Windus

    Aldous Huxley's "Eyeless in Gaza," unleashed upon the literary world in 1936, arrived at a moment of profound global unease, quickly establishing itself as a significant cultural phenomenon. Far from merely another novel, it became a focal point for discussion among intellectuals and the general public alike, eager to grapple with the philosophical quandaries it presented. Its launch was met with widespread attention, solidifying Huxley's reputation as a daring intellectual capable of blending incisive social critique with deep spiritual inquiry. The novel resonated with a generation teetering on the brink of war, offering a complex narrative that explored individual transformation against a backdrop of societal turmoil and the urgent search for meaning in a rapidly changing world.

15. Halterneck

    Released in 1936 by Charles James, Claire McCardell

    The halterneck emerged in the 1930s as a revolutionary silhouette that instantly captured the imagination of designers and the public alike. Its ingenious design, characterized by a strap or band encircling the neck, allowed for dramatic backless creations, a daring and elegant statement for the era. This innovative cut quickly became synonymous with sophistication and a subtle sensuality, offering an alluring alternative to traditional evening wear. From its inception, the halterneck promised both freedom and glamour, enabling women to embrace a fashion that was both chic and strikingly modern, making it an immediate success in the burgeoning world of ready-to-wear and haute couture.

16. Aloha shirt

    Released in 1936 by King-Size, Ellery Chun

    The Aloha shirt burst onto the scene in the mid-1930s from the sun-drenched shores of Hawaii, quickly becoming more than just a garment; it was a wearable declaration of island spirit. Pioneered and popularized by merchants like Ellery Chun, it capitalized on the growing desire for casual, comfortable clothing that reflected the unique cultural tapestry of the Hawaiian Islands. Its immediate success lay in its vibrant patterns, relaxed fit, and the way it effortlessly blended traditional Asian aesthetics with Western shirt styles. It offered both locals and the increasing influx of tourists a distinctive, breathable alternative to formal wear, solidifying its place as an iconic fashion piece almost from its inception, symbolizing paradise and leisure to the world.

17. The Hurricane

    Released in 1936 by Charles Nordhoff and James Norman Hall, Little, Brown and Company

    The Hurricane," published in 1936 by the renowned writing duo Charles Nordhoff and James Norman Hall, struck the literary world with the force of its namesake storm. Emerging at a time when America was grappling with the Great Depression, the novel offered a powerful form of escapism, transporting readers to the idyllic yet perilous islands of the South Pacific. Its vivid portrayal of tropical beauty, human drama, and nature's raw power immediately captivated the public, becoming one of the year's undisputed bestsellers. Following their triumph with the 'Bounty' trilogy, Nordhoff and Hall cemented their reputation as masters of Polynesian adventure, and "The Hurricane" quickly became a cultural phenomenon, celebrated for its gripping narrative and evocative atmosphere.

18. Zoot suit

    Released in 1936 by Harold C. Fox Company, Harold C. Fox

    The zoot suit exploded onto the urban fashion scene in the mid-to-late 1930s, immediately capturing attention with its exaggerated proportions and bold silhouette. Originating in African American jazz clubs of Harlem and quickly embraced by diverse youth subcultures, it was less a commercial launch and more a grassroots cultural phenomenon. Its instant popularity stemmed from its defiant aesthetic, offering a stark contrast to the conservative wartime rationing and becoming a powerful visual marker of identity and non-conformity. Far from a mere garment, the zoot suit became a uniform for a generation seeking to express individuality, celebration, and even protest amidst societal pressures, making it an undeniable cultural and commercial success in its own right, despite not being a branded product.