History's Best Selling Products of 1937

Make way for the hits of 1937! 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 Lost Horizon shared the spotlight with mega-bestsellers We Are Not Alone and A Day at the Races. Brought to you by top-notch makers from industry leaders like Frank Capra and James Hilton, 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. Lost Horizon

   Released in 1937 by Frank Capra, Columbia Pictures

   On February 10, 1937, audiences in San Francisco were transported to a mythical paradise with the premiere of Frank Capra's "Lost Horizon." This ambitious adaptation of James Hilton's best-selling novel was a cinematic event, promising an escape from the tumultuous realities of the Great Depression into a realm of peace and longevity. While initially facing a mixed reception and significant budget overruns, the film quickly established itself as a cultural touchstone, etching the legendary valley of Shangri-La into the global consciousness. Its launch date marked the beginning of a profound journey for cinema, offering a much-needed vision of hope and utopia at a critical juncture in history.

2. We Are Not Alone

   Released in 1937 by James Hilton, Little, Brown and Company

   James Hilton, already a literary sensation with "Lost Horizon" and "Goodbye, Mr. Chips," captivated readers once more in 1937 with "We Are Not Alone." This poignant novel swiftly climbed bestseller lists, solidifying Hilton's reputation for crafting emotionally resonant tales that explored the depths of human experience. Released at a time of escalating global tensions, the book offered a much-needed narrative of compassion, prejudice, and the quiet dignity of an ordinary man caught in extraordinary circumstances. Its immediate popularity wasn't just due to Hilton's established name; it was a cultural phenomenon because it spoke to the universal human search for understanding and justice amidst life's inherent loneliness.

3. A Day at the Races

   Released in 1937 by Sam Wood, Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer

   June 11, 1937, marked the eagerly anticipated premiere of 'A Day at the Races,' the seventh feature film starring the legendary Marx Brothers. Following the immense success of 'A Night at the Opera,' this release was met with widespread excitement, solidifying the comedic trio's revitalized career under Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer. The film instantly connected with audiences, continuing the Brothers' string of hits and proving that their unique brand of anarchic humor could thrive within a more structured Hollywood system. This date wasn't just another movie release; it was a testament to enduring comedic genius and a significant event in the golden age of Hollywood cinema.

4. Saratoga

   Released in 1937 by Jack Conway, Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer

   The cinematic world paused on July 23, 1937, with the release of 'Saratoga,' a film that was eagerly anticipated but arrived shrouded in an air of profound sadness. Marketed as the ultimate pairing of Hollywood's reigning 'King and Queen,' Clark Gable and Jean Harlow, its premiere was tinged with tragedy following Harlow's sudden and untimely death during production. Despite this somber backdrop, 'Saratoga' burst onto screens, captivating audiences and quickly becoming one of the year's highest-grossing films. This release date marked not only the launch of a romantic comedy set against the thrilling world of horse racing but also a poignant farewell to one of cinema's most luminous stars, making it a truly unforgettable moment in Hollywood history.

5. Stella Dallas

   Released in 1937 by King Vidor, United Artists

   August 6, 1937, marked the poignant premiere of 'Stella Dallas,' a powerful melodrama that immediately captivated audiences and critics alike. This release date launched one of the year's most significant films, establishing itself as a commercial success for Samuel Goldwyn Productions and further cementing Barbara Stanwyck's reputation as a leading dramatic actress. The film's compelling narrative of maternal sacrifice resonated deeply, making its debut a memorable event in cinematic history and ensuring its status as a classic 'weepie' that would endure for generations.

6. Their Eyes Were Watching God

   Released in 1937 by Zora Neale Hurston, J. B. Lippincott & Co.

   Published in 1937, Zora Neale Hurston's "Their Eyes Were Watching God" emerged during a period of intense artistic and intellectual ferment, yet also profound racial segregation and economic hardship in the United States. Its historical significance lies in its radical departure from prevailing literary trends, particularly those of the Harlem Renaissance which often favored protest literature or portrayals of Black urban life designed to appeal to a white readership. Hurston instead crafted a deeply personal and culturally authentic narrative centered on the interior life and spiritual journey of a Black woman in the rural South, offering a celebration of Black folk culture, language, and the pursuit of individual freedom.

7. Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs

   Released in 1937 by Walt Disney, Walt Disney Productions

   On December 21, 1937, the history of cinema was forever changed with the premiere of "Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs" at the Carthay Circle Theatre in Los Angeles. This wasn't just another movie release; it was the world's first full-length cel-animated feature film. Prior to this, animation was confined to short comic novelties that played before the main feature. Walt Disney risked his entire company on the belief that audiences would sit through an 83-minute cartoon. The industry had dubbed the project "Disney's Folly," certain it would be a catastrophic failure. Instead, the premiere earned a rapturous standing ovation, heralding the dawn of a new art form.

8. Rosalie

   Released in 1937 by W.S. Van Dyke, Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer

   On December 24, 1937, Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer unveiled 'Rosalie' to American audiences, a grand musical production that served as a dazzling holiday spectacle. This release date marked the wide theatrical debut of what would become a beloved classic, featuring the formidable talents of Eleanor Powell and Nelson Eddy. Emerging during the golden age of Hollywood musicals, 'Rosalie' quickly captivated moviegoers with its lavish sets, intricate dance numbers, and charming romance. Its launch was a significant event for MGM, solidifying its reputation for high-quality, escapist entertainment during a challenging economic period.

9. Northwest Passage

   Released in 1937 by Kenneth Roberts, Doubleday, Doran & Co.

   Published in 1937, Kenneth Roberts's 'Northwest Passage' exploded onto the American literary scene, quickly becoming one of the year's most talked-about and bestselling novels. In a nation grappling with the lingering economic hardships of the Great Depression, Roberts offered readers an exhilarating escape into the raw, untamed wilderness of colonial America. Its grand scope, meticulous historical detail, and gripping narrative captivated a broad audience, establishing it as an instant cultural phenomenon. The novel wasn't just a book; it was an immersive journey that tapped into a deep American fascination with frontier heroism and the spirit of exploration, solidifying its place as a literary sensation of the era.

10. Of Mice and Men

    Released in 1937 by John Steinbeck, Covici Friede

    Published in February 1937, John Steinbeck’s novella "Of Mice and Men" immediately captivated a nation grappling with the Great Depression, swiftly becoming a major cultural phenomenon. Its stark portrayal of the struggles faced by migrant workers, coupled with its profound themes of dreams and disillusionment, resonated deeply with contemporary audiences. Within months of its release, the book had established itself not just as a literary success but as a vital commentary on the human condition during a period of immense hardship. This powerful narrative catapulted Steinbeck into the literary spotlight, cementing his reputation as a voice for the working class and an unparalleled chronicler of American life.

11. The Citadel

    Released in 1937 by A. J. Cronin, Victor Gollancz Ltd

    A. J. Cronin's "The Citadel" burst onto the literary scene in 1937, immediately captivating readers on both sides of the Atlantic. More than just a novel, it swiftly became a cultural phenomenon, sparking passionate debates and soaring to the top of bestseller lists. Its raw depiction of the medical profession, from the idealism of young doctors to the systemic corruption and complacency within the healthcare system, resonated deeply with a public grappling with social change. The book's launch was met with immense enthusiasm, establishing Cronin as a literary heavyweight and positioning "The Citadel" as one of the most talked-about and impactful novels of its time, a true mirror reflecting the era's anxieties and hopes for reform.

12. The Mortal Storm

    Released in 1937 by Phyllis Bottome, Little, Brown and Company

    In a world teetering on the brink of war, Phyllis Bottome's 'The Mortal Storm' burst onto the literary scene in 1937, offering a harrowing and deeply personal look at the creeping shadow of Nazism over Germany. Published just a year before the outbreak of World War II, the novel resonated powerfully with a public desperate to understand the human cost of the escalating political turmoil. Its immediate popularity stemmed from its courage to depict the insidious way totalitarianism could tear apart families and friendships, making it not just a bestseller but a cultural phenomenon that helped shape public perception of the crisis unfolding in Europe.

13. The Rains Came

    Released in 1937 by Louis Bromfield, Harper & Brothers

    Louis Bromfield's 'The Rains Came' burst onto the literary scene in 1937, captivating readers with its lush, exotic setting and dramatic storyline. Published during the Great Depression, the novel offered a much-needed escape, transporting readers to colonial India, a world away from their everyday struggles. Its immediate popularity propelled it onto the national bestseller lists, securing its place as a major cultural phenomenon of its time. The book's compelling narrative, rich characters, and a sensational climax ensured its status as one of the year's most talked-about and widely read novels, cementing Bromfield's reputation as a master storyteller.

14. The Years

    Released in 1937 by Virginia Woolf, Hogarth Press

    Upon its publication in 1937, Virginia Woolf’s 'The Years' emerged as an unexpected sensation, captivating a broad readership and becoming her most commercially successful novel to date. Departing in some ways from the experimental modernism of her earlier works, this sprawling family saga struck a profound chord with a society on the precipice of profound change. Its exploration of generational shifts, the evolving roles of women, and the broader socio-political landscape of the early 20th century resonated deeply, solidifying its place as a significant cultural phenomenon and a testament to Woolf’s versatility as a writer.

15. Theatre

    Released in 1937 by W. Somerset Maugham, Doubleday Doran

    Theatre" burst onto the literary scene in 1937, captivating readers with its glittering yet often poignant portrayal of life behind the footlights. W. Somerset Maugham, already a celebrated master of keen observation and psychological insight, delivered a novel that immediately resonated with the public's fascination for the world of acting. As the Great Depression still cast its shadow, Maugham offered an escape into the opulent, dramatic, and emotionally charged existence of a famed stage actress. Its sharp wit, compelling character study, and exploration of authenticity versus performance quickly established it as a significant cultural phenomenon of its time, securing its place among the year's top sellers and prompting widespread discussion among critics and readers alike.