The Pursuit of Happiness (1934) in Color — Starring Francis Lederer & Joan Bennett

The Pursuit of Happiness (1934) — Buy This Classic in Color

Experience the charming Pre-Code romantic comedy The Pursuit of Happiness (1934) colorized in stunning HD quality. Directed by Alexander Hall, this delightful Paramount production stars Francis Lederer and Joan Bennett in a witty, warmly entertaining story set during the American Revolution, where a young Hessian soldier — sent to fight for the British — deserts after falling in love with a spirited Connecticut woman, choosing the ‘pursuit of happiness’ promised by the new American ideals over the military duty imposed by his German prince. Now available as an instant, DRM-free digital download for only €15.00.

Plot Summary

Max Doegel (Francis Lederer) is a cultured, charming young Hessian officer who has been sold by his German prince to fight for the British against the American colonists — a common and despised practice of the era. Max has no quarrel with America and no desire to fight, but military duty gives him no choice.

When Max’s regiment arrives in Connecticut, he encounters Prudence Kirkland (Joan Bennett), a beautiful, spirited young woman whose family is firmly committed to the American cause. Max, captivated by Prudence’s intelligence, beauty, and fierce independence, begins to question his allegiance. Why should he fight against people who believe in freedom — the very freedom denied to him by his own prince, who literally sold him into servitude?

Max deserts the British army and takes refuge among the Connecticut colonists, where he must prove that a Hessian soldier can be trusted. His natural charm, genuine good nature, and obvious devotion to Prudence gradually win over the suspicious community. The courtship between Max and Prudence navigates the colourful customs of colonial New England — including the delightfully scandalous tradition of ‘bundling,’ where courting couples share a bed fully clothed with a dividing board between them — providing the film with its most famous and amusing sequence. As the war rages on and Max’s desertion puts him in danger from both sides, he must fight for the right to pursue the happiness that America promises.

Cast & Crew

Director: Alexander Hall
Stars: Francis Lederer is wonderfully charming as Max — bringing European sophistication, genuine warmth, and impeccable comic timing to a character who embodies the immigrant’s romantic vision of American freedom. Joan Bennett is delightful as the spirited Prudence, and the distinguished supporting cast creates a vivid, entertaining portrait of colonial New England life.

Why Buy This Classic in Color?

This professionally colorized edition enhances the film’s attractive colonial settings with era-accurate hues. The New England countryside, charming colonial homes, colourful military uniforms, and the warm domestic scenes gain delightful visual period charm through careful colour restoration. Now also available in colour.

Buy now for an instant, secure digital download with no DRM restrictions. Compatible with all devices that play MP4 files.

Historical Significance

Released in 1934, The Pursuit of Happiness drew its title from the Declaration of Independence and used the American Revolution as a backdrop for a comedy about the universal desire for freedom and love. Francis Lederer, a Czech-born actor who had been a major European stage star, brought genuine immigrant’s appreciation for American freedom to the role. The film’s famous ‘bundling’ scene became a Pre-Code talking point. Through colorization, this charming revolutionary-era comedy is preserved for modern audiences.

Technical Details

• Format: MP4
• Resolution: HD 720p
• Colorized: Yes — professionally restored frame-by-frame
• Audio: Original English mono soundtrack
• Runtime: 75 minutes
• DRM-free: Yes — play anywhere, keep forever
• Instant download: Yes — available immediately after purchase
• Price: €15.00

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Movie-Specific Questions

Q: What is bundling?
A: Bundling was a colonial New England courtship custom where unmarried couples shared a bed fully clothed with a board between them — the film uses this historical curiosity for its most charmingly comic scene.

Q: Is this a war film or a comedy?
A: It is a romantic comedy set during the American Revolution — the war provides the backdrop for a charming love story about a Hessian soldier who chooses freedom and love over military servitude.

Q: Were Hessians really sold to fight?
A: Yes — German princes literally sold their soldiers to the British for profit, one of the most notorious practices of the Revolutionary War era. The film treats this historical injustice with both humour and genuine sympathy.

Digital Download Questions

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

Q: Is there DRM protection?
A: No. The download is completely DRM-free — you own it outright and can play it on any device forever.

Q: How do I receive the film after purchase?
A: You receive an instant download link immediately after payment. A backup copy of the link is also sent to your email address.

Related Colorized Classics

• The Return of Dracula (1958)
• The Howards of Virginia (1940)
• It Happened One Night (1934)
• The Scarlet Pimpernel (1934)
• My Man Godfrey (1936)