The Gorgeous Hussy (1936) in Color — Starring Joan Crawford & Robert Taylor

The Gorgeous Hussy (1936) — Buy This Classic in Color

Experience the lavish historical romance of The Gorgeous Hussy (1936) in color for just €15.00. Directed by Clarence Brown, this glamorous MGM drama stars Joan Crawford as the scandalous Peggy O’Neal, whose passionate spirit ignites romances and political crises during Andrew Jackson’s presidency. The film boasts one of Golden Age Hollywood’s most extraordinary casts. Available now as a DRM-free MP4 digital download for instant viewing on any device.

Plot Summary

In early nineteenth-century Washington, spirited young Peggy O’Neal (Joan Crawford) is the beloved daughter of a tavern owner whose establishment serves as an informal gathering place for the nation’s political elite. From childhood, Peggy is infatuated with the heroic Andrew Jackson (Lionel Barrymore), who becomes a family friend and political patron. As she grows into a striking young woman, Peggy’s beauty and vivacious personality attract a string of powerful admirers.

Her first love, “Bow” Timberlake (Robert Taylor), a dashing naval officer, wins her heart and her hand in marriage, but his early death at sea leaves Peggy a young widow. She soon marries John Eaton (Franchot Tone), a senator and close ally of Jackson, who has become President of the United States. When Jackson appoints Eaton as Secretary of War, Washington society — led by the wives of other cabinet members — launches a vicious campaign to ostracize Peggy, deeming her scandalous past and tavern origins beneath their social standing.

The “Petticoat Affair,” as it becomes known, tears Jackson’s cabinet apart. Peggy’s former admirer Randolph (Melvyn Douglas) and a young journalist named Rowdy Dow (James Stewart) become entangled in the political and romantic turmoil. Jackson fiercely defends Peggy’s honor, seeing the social persecution as an attack on democratic values, but the controversy threatens to destroy his presidency. Ultimately, Peggy must sacrifice her own happiness for the political stability of the nation she loves.

Cast & Crew

Director: Clarence Brown

Stars: Joan Crawford, Robert Taylor, Lionel Barrymore, Franchot Tone, Melvyn Douglas, James Stewart, Beulah Bondi, Alison Skipworth, Louis Calhern, Melville Cooper

Joan Crawford commands the screen as Peggy O’Neal, bringing glamour, emotional depth, and fierce independence to the role. The supporting cast is extraordinary — Lionel Barrymore as Andrew Jackson, Robert Taylor in a romantic lead, Franchot Tone (Crawford’s then-husband) as John Eaton, Melvyn Douglas lending sophistication, and a very young James Stewart in one of his earliest screen appearances.

Why Buy This Classic in Color?

This professionally colorized edition of The Gorgeous Hussy brings the opulence of early nineteenth-century Washington to stunning life. Joan Crawford’s elaborate period gowns, the candlelit ballrooms of the White House, and the lush Virginia landscapes gain gorgeous period-accurate color that amplifies the romantic drama. The political salon scenes and sweeping historical scope become even more visually impressive. Now also available in colour.

Buy your DRM-free MP4 copy today for just €15.00 and enjoy instant download access on any device.

Historical Significance

Released in 1936, The Gorgeous Hussy dramatizes the real-life Petticoat Affair that nearly destroyed Andrew Jackson’s presidency. Joan Crawford’s performance showcases her versatility beyond the modern-woman roles that defined her early career. The film features one of the most remarkable ensemble casts in 1930s cinema, including future legends James Stewart and Robert Taylor in early career roles. Through colorization, this lavish historical drama is preserved for modern audiences.

Technical Details

• Format: MP4 digital download
• Resolution: HD 720p
• Colorized: Yes, from original black-and-white
• Audio: Original English mono
• Runtime: 103 minutes
• DRM-free: Yes — play on any device
• Instant download: Delivered immediately after purchase
• Price: €15.00

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Movie-Specific Questions

Q: What was the real Petticoat Affair?
A: The Petticoat Affair (1829-1831) was a real political scandal in which the wives of President Andrew Jackson’s cabinet members socially ostracized Peggy Eaton, the wife of Secretary of War John Eaton, due to rumors about her past. The controversy caused a cabinet crisis that reshaped Jackson’s administration.

Q: How many future major stars appear in this film?
A: The film features an extraordinary concentration of talent — Joan Crawford, Robert Taylor, Lionel Barrymore, Franchot Tone, Melvyn Douglas, and James Stewart, almost all of whom became major Hollywood stars or Academy Award winners.

Q: Is this film historically accurate?
A: The film takes considerable dramatic license with the historical record, emphasizing romance and melodrama over strict accuracy. However, the core events — Peggy Eaton’s social persecution and its impact on Jackson’s presidency — are based on real incidents.

Digital Download Questions

Q: What format is the download?
A: The film is delivered as a high-quality MP4 file compatible with all major devices and media players.

Q: Is this download DRM-free?
A: Yes, the file has no digital rights management restrictions, so you can watch it on any device without limitations.

Q: How quickly will I receive my download?
A: Instantly — a download link appears on screen and is also sent to your email immediately after purchase.

Related Colorized Classics

• Marie Antoinette (1938)
• Queen Christina (1933)
• I Saw What You Did (1965)
• Strait-Jacket (1964) Full Movie in Color —
• What Ever Happened to Baby Jane? (1962)