The Old-Fashioned Way (1934) in Color — Starring W.C. Fields & Joe Morrison

The Old-Fashioned Way (1934) — Buy This Classic in Color

Step back to 1934 with The Old-Fashioned Way, a delightful comedy directed by William Beaudine and starring the incomparable W.C. Fields. This classic film follows the misadventures of a flamboyant, down-on-his-luck theatrical impresario who will stop at nothing to keep his troupe performing. With a supporting cast including Joe Morrison, Baby LeRoy, and Judith Allen, this picture is a hilarious showcase of Fields’ unique brand of vaudeville humor. The story is a charming blend of backstage antics and small-town scheming. Own this classic movie in color as a DRM-free MP4 digital download for just €15.00.

Plot Summary

The film opens with the Great McGonigle (W.C. Fields), a pompous but perpetually broke actor-manager, leading his ragtag theatrical company into the small town of Bellefontaine. His troupe is presenting a melodrama called “The Drunkard,” a staple of the old-fashioned touring circuit. However, McGonigle is in dire financial straits, owing money to the local hotel and his long-suffering cast. His primary goal is to keep the show on the road and avoid the sheriff, who is hot on his trail for unpaid bills.

Complicating matters is the romantic subplot involving McGonigle’s daughter, Betty (Judith Allen), and a handsome young actor in the company, Wally Livingston (Joe Morrison). Wally is earnest and talented, but McGonigle sees him as a rival for the spotlight and a financial liability. The impresario is determined to keep the young couple apart, fearing that Wally’s influence might lead Betty away from the family business and, more importantly, that a wedding would cost him money he doesn’t have.

The plot thickens when McGonigle discovers that the town’s leading citizen, Mrs. Wendelschaffer (Nora Cecil), is a wealthy widow with a keen interest in the theatre. Seeing an opportunity, McGonigle begins a calculated courtship, hoping to secure her financial backing for his failing production. His efforts are comically undermined by his own ineptitude and the constant interference of his mischievous young grandson, played by Baby LeRoy, who delights in tormenting his grandfather with cigars and other childish pranks.

Meanwhile, Wally and Betty’s romance blossoms, and they secretly plan to marry. When McGonigle discovers their intentions, he flies into a rage, seeing it as a direct threat to his plans. He attempts to sabotage their relationship, but his schemes backfire spectacularly. The tension culminates on the night of the big performance, where McGonigle must balance his on-stage duties with his off-stage troubles, all while the sheriff waits in the wings to shut the whole show down.

The climax of the film is a riotous performance of “The Drunkard” itself, where McGonigle, playing the villain, improvises wildly and interacts with the audience in his signature style. The chaos on stage mirrors the chaos in his life, as his creditors, the sheriff, and his romantic prospects all converge on the theatre. Will McGonigle manage to pull off the performance of his life and escape his mounting debts, or will the old-fashioned way finally catch up with him?

Cast & Crew

Director: William Beaudine
Stars: W.C. Fields, Baby LeRoy, Joe Morrison, Judith Allen, Jan Duggan

Why Buy This Classic in Color?

This colorized version of The Old-Fashioned Way breathes new life into a Depression-era comedy, allowing modern viewers to see the world of a traveling theatre troupe in a vibrant new light. The professional colorization adds depth to the period-accurate costumes, from the garish stage outfits of the melodrama to the everyday attire of the small-town characters. The subtle hues of the hotel interiors and the dusty streets of Bellefontaine are revealed, enhancing the film’s authentic atmosphere. Seeing W.C. Fields’ expressive face and Baby LeRoy’s cherubic cheeks in color serves to amplify their comedic performances, making their interactions feel more immediate and engaging. This is a chance to experience a classic in a way that was never possible in 1934. This colourised edition is a unique collector’s item that offers a fresh perspective on a beloved star. Buy your download today for just €15.00 and enjoy this timeless comedy instantly on any device.

Historical Significance

The Old-Fashioned Way holds a special place in cinema history as one of the definitive vehicles for W.C. Fields’ stage persona. It was one of the first films to fully capture his “Great Man” character—a bombastic, self-centered, and perpetually scheming figure who is both contemptible and utterly charming. The film is essentially a love letter to the dying art of the traveling stock company, a form of entertainment that was already fading by 1934. Fields, who had spent his early career in vaudeville, imbues the film with an authentic sense of nostalgia and insider knowledge of the theatrical world.

Director William Beaudine, known for his efficiency and ability to work with difficult stars, managed to harness Fields’ chaotic energy and improvisational style. The film was a commercial success and was praised by critics for its comedic timing and Fields’ performance. The extended sequence of “The Drunkard” is particularly notable, as it showcases Fields’ skills as a physical comedian and his mastery of stagecraft. Baby LeRoy, a toddler star of the era, provides a perfect foil for Fields, and their on-screen battles are legendary in comedy history.

Today, The Old-Fashioned Way is appreciated as a key artifact of pre-Code Hollywood comedy, a time when films could be more irreverent and anarchic. It remains a testament to the enduring appeal of W.C. Fields and the unique brand of humor he brought to the screen. This colorized edition ensures that new generations can discover the magic of this classic, making it accessible and engaging for a modern audience that might otherwise overlook a black-and-white film from the 1930s.

Technical Details

• Format: MP4 / MKV digital download
• Resolution: HD 720p
• Colorized: Professionally colorized from original black and white
• Audio: English original mono
• Runtime: 71 minutes
• DRM-free: Yes — watch on any device
• Instant download: Available immediately after purchase
• Price: €15.00

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Movie-Specific Questions

Q: Is this the film where W.C. Fields performs the classic stage melodrama “The Drunkard”?
A: Yes, a significant portion of The Old-Fashioned Way is dedicated to a performance of “The Drunkard,” the old-fashioned temperance play. This allows Fields to showcase his theatrical stage act within the film, complete with his famous juggling routine and ad-libbed asides to the audience.

Q: Was The Old-Fashioned Way originally filmed in color?
A: No, the film was originally shot in black and white in 1934, as was standard for the era. The version offered on this page is a later, professionally colorized restoration that adds color to the original footage. It is not an original studio color release.

Q: What is the relationship between W.C. Fields’ character and Baby LeRoy in the movie?
A: Baby LeRoy plays the grandson of W.C. Fields’ character, the Great McGonigle. Their on-screen relationship is one of mutual antagonism, with the toddler constantly getting the better of the flustered impresario through his innocent but destructive mischief, creating some of the film’s most memorable comedic moments.

Digital Download Questions

Q: What format is the download?
A: The film is delivered as MP4 and MKV files that play on virtually any device.
Q: Is there DRM on the file?
A: No. The download is completely DRM-free so you can watch it on any device without restrictions.
Q: How quickly can I watch after purchase?
A: Your download link is available instantly after payment, so you can start watching within minutes.

Related Colorized Classics

• Stingaree (1934)
• The Raven (1935)
• The Bank Dick (1940)
• The House of Fear (1945)
• La Traversée de Paris (1956)