History's Best Selling Products of 1940

Make way for the hits of 1940! 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 The Fighting 69th shared the spotlight with mega-bestsellers Pinocchio and Tom and Jerry. Brought to you by top-notch makers from industry leaders like William Keighley and The Walt Disney Company, 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. The Fighting 69th

   Released in 1940 by William Keighley, Warner Bros.

   On January 26, 1940, Warner Bros. released 'The Fighting 69th' to American theaters, a patriotic war drama that resonated deeply with audiences on the cusp of World War II. Starring the powerhouse duo James Cagney and Pat O'Brien, the film depicted the valor of the New York National Guard's 69th Infantry Regiment during World War I, often referred to as 'The Fighting Irish.' Its timing was impeccable, offering a timely narrative of courage, duty, and redemption that appealed to a nation increasingly aware of global conflict. The movie quickly became a box office success, a testament to its compelling story and powerful performances, establishing itself as a significant entry in early 1940s cinema.

2. Pinocchio

   Released in 1940 by The Walt Disney Company, Ben Sharpsteen, Hamilton Luske

   On February 7, 1940, at the Center Theatre in New York City, Walt Disney unveiled his second-ever feature-length animated film, *Pinocchio*. Following the unprecedented success of *Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs*, Disney gambled on a darker, more complex story about a wooden puppet who yearned to become a real boy. This premiere marked the public's first glimpse into what many would come to regard as the pinnacle of hand-drawn animation, a technical and artistic marvel that set a new standard for the medium and introduced the world to the iconic song "When You Wish Upon a Star."

3. Tom and Jerry (Debut in "Puss Gets the Boot")

   Released in 1940 by William Hanna, Joseph Barbera, Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer

   On February 10, 1940, audiences were first introduced to a seemingly familiar cat-and-mouse chase that would launch an entertainment empire. The Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer animated short *Puss Gets the Boot* marked the public debut of the characters who would become Tom and Jerry. Though the cat was named Jasper and the mouse was an unnamed character (later unofficially called Jinx) in this initial outing, their classic dynamic of slapstick rivalry was fully formed. This single theatrical short, initially seen as just another cartoon, was a surprise smash hit that earned an Academy Award nomination and convinced the studio to commission a full series, giving birth to one of the most successful and enduring animation franchises in history.

4. Native Son

   Released in 1940 by Richard Wright, Harper & Brothers

   Richard Wright's "Native Son," released in 1940, stands as a monumental work in American literature, ripping open the veneer of American society to expose the brutal realities of systemic racism and urban poverty. Its publication was a seismic event, offering an unflinching, naturalistic portrayal of how environmental forces and racial oppression could warp human psychology and lead to desperate acts. In a pre-Civil Rights era America, the novel forced a predominantly white readership to confront the dire consequences of a society built on racial hierarchy, making it a critical text for understanding the social dynamics of its time and an enduring touchstone in discussions of race, class, and justice. It illuminated the suffocating existence faced by many African Americans, challenging comfortable narratives and sparking essential, albeit uncomfortable, national dialogue.

5. Rebecca

   Released in 1940 by Alfred Hitchcock, United Artists

   March 27, 1940, marked a pivotal moment in cinematic history with the world premiere of Alfred Hitchcock’s "Rebecca" in the United States. This gothic psychological thriller, based on Daphne du Maurier's beloved novel, became an instant critical and commercial success, launching Hitchcock's illustrious Hollywood career and solidifying his reputation as the "Master of Suspense." Grossing an impressive $3 million at the box office, a significant sum for its era, "Rebecca" not only captivated audiences with its atmospheric tension and haunting narrative but also earned the coveted Academy Award for Best Picture, the only Hitchcock film to ever achieve this distinction. This date is special as it represents the grand debut of a timeless classic that continues to fascinate and influence filmmakers and audiences alike, showcasing Hitchcock's genius in adapting complex literary works to the silver screen.

6. Bubble Solution

   Released in 1940 by Chemtoy

   While children had been making their own bubble mixtures for centuries, June 1, 1940, marks a pivotal moment when this simple pastime was transformed into a commercial phenomenon. It was around this time that the Chicago-based company Chemtoy began mass-producing and bottling its own bubble solution. In a world on the brink of widespread conflict, this launch offered an accessible and affordable form of joy. By packaging a pre-mixed soap solution with a simple wand, Chemtoy democratized the magic of bubble-blowing, making it readily available to any child, regardless of their family's ability to concoct the perfect homemade formula. This simple act of bottling a classic activity established a brand-new category in the toy industry and solidified the bubble as a universal symbol of childhood wonder.

7. Boom Town

   Released in 1940 by Jack Conway, Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer

   On August 30, 1940, Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer unveiled 'Boom Town' to eager audiences, marking the theatrical premiere of a cinematic powerhouse that promised high drama and unparalleled star power. This particular date heralded the arrival of one of the year's most anticipated films, not just for its ambitious storyline set against the rugged backdrop of the American oil industry, but primarily for its extraordinary cast. Boasting the combined charisma of Clark Gable, Spencer Tracy, Claudette Colbert, and Hedy Lamarr, 'Boom Town' was an instant sensation, quickly cementing its status as a monumental box office success and a shining example of Hollywood's Golden Age studio system at its peak. The film's robust performance underscored its commercial appeal, making this premiere date a significant moment in the annals of classic cinema.

8. Strike Up the Band

   Released in 1940 by Busby Berkeley, Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer

   On September 27, 1940, Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer unleashed "Strike Up the Band" upon an eagerly awaiting public, cementing the iconic screen partnership of Mickey Rooney and Judy Garland. This release date marked a pivotal moment for the musical film genre and for MGM, demonstrating the incredible drawing power of its young stars. The film was an instant commercial success, pulling in an impressive $2,265,000 at the domestic box office. More than just a financial triumph, this movie delivered much-needed escapism and joy to audiences during a period of global uncertainty, solidifying its place as a beloved classic from the golden age of Hollywood musicals, and further establishing its lead actors as bona fide superstars.

9. The Great Dictator

   Released in 1940 by Charlie Chaplin, United Artists

   On October 15, 1940, Charlie Chaplin's audacious and groundbreaking film, 'The Great Dictator,' made its world theatrical premiere in the United States. This date marks a pivotal moment in cinematic history, not only as Chaplin's first full talkie but also as a courageous and direct satirical attack on Adolf Hitler and Nazism during a time when America was not yet officially at war. Despite considerable political pressure and threats, Chaplin self-financed and released this powerful statement, earning over $11 million worldwide against a budget of approximately $2 million. Its launch was a defiant act of artistic expression, instantly cementing its place as one of the most significant political comedies ever made and a testament to cinema's power to confront tyranny.

10. North West Mounted Police

    Released in 1940 by Cecil B. DeMille, Paramount Pictures

    On October 21, 1940, Cecil B. DeMille's epic Technicolor Western, 'North West Mounted Police,' made its North American theatrical debut, captivating audiences with its vibrant visuals and thrilling narrative. This marked a significant moment for Paramount Pictures, as the film was their very first production shot entirely in Technicolor, a technological marvel for its era. The movie's grand scale, star-studded cast, and timely patriotic themes resonated deeply with a nation on the cusp of global conflict, cementing its place as a major cinematic event of 1940 and contributing significantly to the studio's box office success for the year.

11. For Whom the Bell Tolls

    Released in 1940 by Ernest Hemingway, Charles Scribner's Sons

    Released in October 1940, Ernest Hemingway's "For Whom the Bell Tolls" instantly captivated a nation on the brink of global conflict. It rocketed to the top of bestseller lists, selling half a million copies within months and dominating literary discussions. At a time when America wrestled with the specter of World War II, this powerful narrative, steeped in the brutal realities of the Spanish Civil War, offered a visceral exploration of courage, sacrifice, and the enduring human spirit amidst ideological struggle. Its raw emotional intensity and profound moral questions solidified its place as a crucial cultural phenomenon of its era.

12. Kitty Foyle

    Released in 1940 by Sam Wood, RKO Radio Pictures

    On December 27, 1940, RKO Radio Pictures premiered "Kitty Foyle," a groundbreaking romantic drama that solidified Ginger Rogers' dramatic prowess and captured the hearts of a nation. This release date marked a pivotal moment for Rogers, transitioning her from her iconic dance pairings with Fred Astaire to an Academy Award-winning dramatic actress. The film's compelling portrayal of a working-class woman navigating love and class distinctions resonated deeply with audiences, ultimately becoming a significant box office success and earning Rogers her only Oscar for Best Actress. Its debut introduced a new kind of heroine to the silver screen, making this date a landmark in Hollywood history.

13. Art jewelry

    Released in 1940 by Independent Artists, Various Makers

    Art jewelry emerged as a revolutionary force in the mid-20th century, fundamentally challenging centuries-old conventions that dictated jewelry's value primarily by its intrinsic material worth. This movement represented a profound shift from mass-produced, commodity-driven adornment to unique, artist-crafted pieces. It was not just about wearing a beautiful object, but about wearing a statement, a piece of art that reflected individual creativity and intellectual thought. Its immediate popularity wasn't with the general public seeking traditional luxury, but rather with an discerning audience of collectors, patrons, and fellow artists who recognized its groundbreaking aesthetic and philosophical underpinnings. Art jewelry quickly became a symbol of modernism and personal expression, marking a pivotal moment in the history of wearable art and fostering a new appreciation for the medium as a legitimate form of artistic expression.

14. Snood (headgear)

    Released in 1940 by No Single Brand, Traditional Design

    The snood, an ancient hair accessory, experienced a remarkable resurgence in popularity during the 1940s, transforming from a historical curiosity into a quintessential wartime fashion staple. As millions of women entered factories and traditional male workplaces to support the war effort, the snood offered a practical yet elegant solution for securing hair, preventing entanglement in machinery, and maintaining a neat appearance. Its combination of safety, style, and patriotic utility quickly propelled it into the wardrobes of women across Western nations, making it an undeniable cultural and commercial success of the era. This humble hairnet became a symbol of female strength and resilience, adapting to the demands of a changing world with effortless grace.

15. Mrs. Miniver

    Released in 1940 by Jan Struther, Harcourt, Brace and Company

    Mrs. Miniver launched in 1940, capturing the hearts of readers worldwide as World War II intensified. Originally a series of vignettes published in The Times, this seemingly simple tale of a middle-class British family quickly became a powerful cultural phenomenon. It offered a poignant, intimate look at everyday life on the home front, transforming the anxieties and quiet heroism of wartime Britain into relatable prose. Its timely release and compelling portrayal of resilience against the backdrop of imminent conflict made it an immediate bestseller, offering solace and inspiration to millions during an unprecedented global crisis. The book transcended mere entertainment, becoming a symbol of enduring spirit.

16. Stars on the Sea

    Released in 1940 by F. Van Wyck Mason, J. B. Lippincott & Co.

    Stars on the Sea" burst onto the literary scene in 1940, capturing the imaginations of a nation on the precipice of global conflict. F. Van Wyck Mason's sweeping historical novel became an instant sensation, securing its place as the Publishers Weekly #6 Bestseller of the year. During a period marked by profound uncertainty with World War II raging in Europe, readers eagerly sought escape and inspiration in tales of American heroism. Mason masterfully delivered a narrative rich in adventure, romance, and patriotic fervor, making "Stars on the Sea" more than just a book—it was a cultural touchstone that reaffirmed national identity and the enduring spirit of freedom.