The Rich Are Always with Us (1932) in Color — Starring Ruth Chatterton & George Brent

The Rich Are Always with Us (1932) — Buy This Classic in Color

Experience the glamorous Pre-Code romantic drama The Rich Are Always with Us (1932) colorized in stunning HD quality. Directed by Alfred E. Green, this elegant Warner Bros. production stars Ruth Chatterton at the height of her sophistication as Caroline Van Dyke Grannard, a beautiful, wealthy, socially prominent woman trapped between two very different men — her reckless, philandering husband who she cannot stop loving, and a devoted younger writer who loves her passionately and waits with growing frustration for her to free herself from a marriage that everyone but Caroline can see is destroying her. Now available as an instant, DRM-free digital download for only €15.00.

Plot Summary

Caroline Grannard (Ruth Chatterton) has everything that 1930s American society values: wealth, beauty, social position, an elegant home, and a charming husband, Greg (John Miljan). What she does not have is a faithful husband. Greg is a compulsive philanderer who betrays Caroline repeatedly, and everyone in their social circle knows it — everyone except Caroline, who refuses to see what is painfully obvious.

Julian Donat-Stone (George Brent), a successful young writer, is desperately in love with Caroline. He waits patiently for her to recognise the truth about her marriage, but his patience is tested as Caroline continues to make excuses for Greg’s behaviour. When Caroline finally discovers Greg’s latest and most brazen affair and reluctantly agrees to divorce, Julian’s hopes soar — but Caroline’s emotional attachment to Greg proves far more tenacious than a legal decree.

The film’s Pre-Code frankness allows it to explore the complexities of desire, habit, and emotional dependency with unusual candour. Caroline is not a fool — she is a brilliant, worldly woman who understands intellectually that Greg is worthless, yet remains emotionally bound to him. Meanwhile, Malbro (a young Bette Davis in an early role), a vivacious socialite, provides competition for Julian’s attention, testing the limits of his devotion. The drama plays out across the glamorous settings of Park Avenue apartments, Long Island estates, and European resorts, building to a resolution that acknowledges the painful truth that the heart rarely obeys the mind’s sensible instructions.

Cast & Crew

Director: Alfred E. Green
Stars: Ruth Chatterton, one of the most respected dramatic actresses of her era, gives a beautifully nuanced performance as a woman torn between emotional wisdom and emotional addiction. George Brent provides solid romantic counterpoint as the devoted Julian. Bette Davis, in one of her earliest roles and just twenty-three years old, already projects the fierce intelligence and magnetic presence that would make her a legend.

Why Buy This Classic in Color?

This professionally colorized edition enhances the film’s luxurious settings with era-accurate hues. The magnificent Park Avenue apartments, elegant evening gowns, gleaming automobiles, and the glamorous social world of early 1930s high society gain dazzling visual sophistication 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 1932 during the Pre-Code era, The Rich Are Always with Us showcases the frank treatment of adultery, desire, and emotional complexity that made Pre-Code Hollywood so distinctive. Ruth Chatterton was one of the era’s highest-paid actresses, and her sophisticated performances defined a type of intelligent, worldly heroine that would largely disappear after the Production Code enforcement in 1934. Bette Davis’s early appearance is fascinating for fans tracing the development of Hollywood’s greatest dramatic actress. Through colorization, this elegant Pre-Code drama 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: 73 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: Is Bette Davis in this?
A: Yes — Davis appears in an early supporting role, already projecting the fierce intelligence and compelling screen presence that would make her one of the greatest stars in cinema history.

Q: What does Pre-Code mean?
A: Pre-Code films were made before the strict enforcement of the Hollywood Production Code in 1934, allowing franker treatment of adultery, sexuality, and moral complexity than would be permitted for decades afterward.

Q: Is Ruth Chatterton well known?
A: Chatterton was one of the highest-paid and most respected actresses of the early 1930s — her sophisticated, intelligent performances commanded enormous respect, though she is less well-remembered today than her contemporaries.

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

• Baby Face (1933)
• Female on the Beach (1955)
• Dinner at Eight (1933)
• The Divorcee (1930)
• Of Human Bondage (1934)