The Working Man (1933) in Color — Starring George Arliss & Bette Davis

The Working Man (1933) — Buy This Classic in Color

Experience the delightful pre-Code comedy-drama The Working Man (1933) Colorized, directed by John G. Adolfi, starring the great George Arliss as a wealthy retired shoe manufacturer who disguises himself as a simple working man to investigate the wastrel heirs of his late business rival, only to become so charmed by the irresponsible but talented young people that he secretly takes over their failing company and mentors them into responsible adults while simultaneously battling a conniving board of directors trying to steal the business, a wonderfully entertaining fable about integrity, mentorship, and the redemptive power of honest work, now available for purchase in stunning color for just €15.00. This digitally enhanced version brings this sparkling pre-Code gem to vivid new life. Own this DRM-free digital download today.

Plot Summary

John Reeves is a self-made millionaire who built one of America’s most successful shoe manufacturing companies through decades of hard work, shrewd business acumen, and relentless determination. Now retired and wealthy beyond measure, Reeves is utterly bored. His nephews run the company competently but refuse to let him interfere, and he has nothing to occupy his sharp mind and restless energy.

Reeves becomes curious about the children of his late great rival, Benjamin Doray, whose competing shoe company has fallen into steep decline since its founder’s death. The Doray heirs — Tommy and Jenny — are young, attractive, and completely irresponsible, spending their inheritance on parties, yachts, and fashionable living while their father’s legacy crumbles around them. The company’s board of directors, meanwhile, is systematically looting what remains of the business.

Intrigued and perhaps seeing something of his own youthful energy in the Doray children, Reeves disguises himself as an ordinary working man and gets a job at the failing Doray shoe factory. Through daily exposure to honest labor and Reeves’s subtle guidance, Tommy and Jenny gradually discover their own capabilities and begin to develop the qualities their father possessed — intelligence, determination, and a genuine passion for the business.

As Reeves works to transform the Doray heirs from useless socialites into capable business people, he also uncovers the full extent of the board’s corruption. The scheming directors are deliberately running the company into the ground to buy it cheaply, and they will stop at nothing to maintain their control. Reeves must orchestrate a complex business maneuver to save the company while simultaneously completing the moral education of his young protégés, all without revealing his true identity or his hidden motivations.

Cast & Crew

Director: John G. Adolfi

Stars: George Arliss as John Reeves, Bette Davis as Jenny Doray, Theodore Newton as Tommy Doray, Hardie Albright as Fred Doray, J. Farrell MacDonald as Ben, Gordon Westcott as Morton

George Arliss, the distinguished Academy Award-winning actor, delivers a masterful performance that balances dry wit, genuine warmth, and shrewd intelligence. A young Bette Davis, years before her reign as Hollywood’s greatest dramatic actress, brings vivacity and charm to the role of the irresponsible heiress who discovers her potential under Arliss’s mentorship.

Why Buy This Classic in Color?

The colorization of The Working Man reveals the visual elegance of pre-Code Hollywood — the warm mahogany of executive boardrooms, the bright contrasts between the working-class factory floor and the gleaming world of high society, the industrial grey and brown of shoe manufacturing equipment, the rich fabrics and vivid colors of 1930s fashionable clothing worn by Jenny and Tommy at their parties, George Arliss’s distinguished silver hair and dignified bearing, the young Bette Davis’s striking features and expressive eyes, the green of manicured lawns and yachting scenes, the amber glow of library interiors, the deep blue of nautical settings, and the warm earth tones of honest working environments. Now also available in colour. Buy The Working Man (1933) Colorized today for €15.00 and own this charming classic in a DRM-free format you can enjoy forever.

Historical Significance

The Working Man showcases the remarkable talents of George Arliss, who was one of the most prestigious actors of the early 1930s, having won the Academy Award for Best Actor for Disraeli in 1929. The film pairs him with a young Bette Davis, who was still early in her career and learning her craft — their pairing is fascinating in retrospect, as Davis would soon become the biggest star at Warner Bros. The pre-Code setting allows for a frankness about business corruption and social irresponsibility that the Production Code would have softened. The film celebrates the virtues of honest work and personal integrity in the depths of the Great Depression, offering audiences an aspirational narrative about the transformative power of mentorship and dedication. Through colorization, this delightful example of pre-Code Hollywood entertainment is preserved for modern audiences.

Technical Details

• Format: MP4 digital download
• Resolution: HD 720p
• Colorized: Yes, professional AI-assisted colorization
• Audio: Original English mono soundtrack
• Runtime: Approximately 78 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 Bette Davis in this film?
A: Yes, a young Bette Davis appears as Jenny Doray, several years before her breakthrough roles in Of Human Bondage and Dangerous. It is a wonderful opportunity to see the legendary actress early in her career.

Q: Who is George Arliss?
A: George Arliss was a distinguished English actor who became one of Hollywood’s most acclaimed performers in the early 1930s, winning the Academy Award for Best Actor for Disraeli (1929). He was known for his witty, sophisticated performances in prestige productions.

Q: Is this a comedy or drama?
A: The Working Man is a charming blend of both — comedy arises from the situations created by Reeves’s disguise and the young heirs’ transformation, while genuine dramatic tension comes from the corporate intrigue and the moral questions about responsibility and mentorship.

Digital Download Questions

Q: What format is the download?
A: The film is delivered as a high-quality MP4 file in HD 720p resolution, compatible with virtually all modern devices and media players.

Q: Is the download DRM-free?
A: Yes, your purchase is completely DRM-free. You own the file outright and can watch it on any device without restrictions or recurring fees.

Q: How quickly will I receive the download?
A: Your download link is available immediately after payment is confirmed. You can begin watching The Working Man (1933) Colorized within minutes of your purchase.

Related Colorized Classics

• Mr. Smith Goes to Washington (1939)
• Doctor Syn (1937)
• The Guv’nor (1935)
• It Happened One Night (1934)
• My Man Godfrey (1936)