The Way of All Men
The Way of All Men

The Way of All Men

1930Movie69 minEnglish

A variety of broad-painted and unlikely characters are trapped in an underground café when a Mississippi River levee breaks and causes flood havoc above and below.

Read Reviews

Insights

IMDb6.0/10
Director: Ray EnrightGenres: Drama

Plot Summary

A young man named Gordon grows up in poverty and, through his ambition and ruthless actions, becomes a wealthy and powerful industrialist. However, his rise to the top comes at the cost of his personal relationships and moral integrity. As he faces the consequences of his past, he reflects on the true meaning of success and the sacrifices he has made.

Critical Reception

Upon its release, 'The Way of All Men' was generally well-received by critics for its strong performances and dramatic storytelling. It was praised for its exploration of ambition and the corrupting influence of wealth, themes that resonated with audiences of the era. While not a groundbreaking film, it was considered a solid entry in Warner Bros.'s output of dramas during this period.

What Reviewers Say

  • Praised for its compelling narrative of ambition and its consequences.
  • Douglas Fairbanks Jr. delivers a notable performance as the driven protagonist.
  • The film effectively portrays the moral compromises often associated with achieving great wealth.

Google audience: Audience reviews are not readily available for this early sound film, but general sentiment from the era would likely have appreciated its dramatic sweep and exploration of the American Dream's darker side.

Fun Fact

This film was one of the earliest dramas to feature a significant amount of synchronized dialogue and sound effects, marking a transition in filmmaking technology.

AI-generated overview · Verify ratings on official sources

My Review