1932 - Episode 3 (17) - "Scarface" Director: Howard Hawkes

Release Date: April 9th, 1932

"Say hello to the original Bad Guy, Tony Camonte. 1932 Hollywood dared to tell the story of a man consumed by power, violence, and ambition. Inspired by real life crime lord, Scarface follows the ruthless rise of Tony Camonte, a trigger happy gangster that carves his name in blood across the city streets of Chicago. Directed by Howard Hawkes and produced by the legendary Howard Hughes, this pre-code classic shocked audiences with its raw brutality, sharp dialogue, and unflinching look at organized crime. Censored, banned and still ahead of its time, Scarface remains one of the most influential gangaster films ever made. Ladies and gentlemen, this is Paul Muni and his role as "Scarface."

1932 - Episode 2 (16) - "Freaks" Director: Tod Browning

Release Date: February 20th, 1932

Will and Robert take a journey into the carnival world of sideshows and secrets with Tod Browning’s 1932 masterpiece, Freaks. This isn’t your typical Hollywood fare—Freaks is a daring and deeply human film that shattered conventions and left audiences stunned. Featuring real sideshow performers, it challenges the line between 'normal' and 'abnormal,' questioning who the real monsters are. Banned in some countries for decades, it’s a story of love, betrayal, and revenge unlike anything you’ve ever seen. Step right up, but beware—Freaks isn’t just a film; it’s an experience. One of us! One of us! Gooble gobble, gooble gobble!

1932 - Episode 1 - "Shanghai Express" - Director: Josef Von Sternberg release date February 12, 1932.

Step aboard a locomotive bound for danger, desire, and deception—this is Shanghai Express. Directed by the master of shadows and intrigue, Josef von Sternberg, this 1932 masterpiece takes us on a journey through war-torn China. At its heart, the luminous Marlene Dietrich stars as the enigmatic and alluring Shanghai Lily, a woman with a past as mysterious as the night. Alongside her, Clive Brook, Anna May Wong, and Warner Oland deliver performances as layered as the film’s sumptuous cinematography. With every mile, alliances form, secrets unravel, and passions ignite. So sit back, let the whistle blow, and prepare yourself for a ride through the heart of glamour, betrayal, and romance on the Shanghai Express.

Will and Robert introduce the year 1932 by breaking down as usual the state of the United States, the economy and the overall snapshot of time that is the Hollywood and film industry. Join us as we also give Oscar awards out to our list of 1931 movies before we debate and draft our 1932 list of films.

1931 Episode 6 - "A Free Soul" & "Possessed" Directed By: Clarence Brown

Join us as we explore the daring pre-code films "A Free Soul" and "Possessed," showcasing Clark Gable, Joan Crawford and Norma Shearer in two very different captivating tales of forbidden love and moral conflict that remains thrilling century later! Get ready for a cinematic journey!

1931 Episode 5 - Directed By: Fritz Lang / May 11, 1931

What drives a killer, and how far will society go to stop him? M (1931), directed by Fritz Lang, is a groundbreaking German thriller that explores these haunting questions as Berlin falls under the shadow of a serial child murderer. Released during a turbulent period in Germany, M reflects the fear and tension of the time, hinting at the dangers of mob rule and the pull toward authoritarianism. Both a suspenseful crime story and a social critique, M is a timeless classic that continues to captivate audiences with its exploration of guilt, justice, and the darker side of human nature.

1931 Episode 4 - Directed By: William A. Wellman / April 23rd, 1931.

Tonight, we go back to where it all started. We're talking about one of the original gangster films that redefined the genre—The Public Enemy. Released in 1931, right in the heart of Prohibition, this movie didn't just show crime—it gave crime a face. And that face? James Cagney. He’s raw, he’s ruthless, and he’s unforgettable as Tom Powers, a small-time crook who rises to the top while spiraling straight down. This film doesn't sugarcoat anything. It’s gritty, it's dangerous, and it’s real. Buckle up—because The Public Enemy is about to take you on one wild, unforgiving ride. Are you ready? Let’s go."

1931 Episode 3 - Directed by: Lewis Milestone / April 4th, 1931.

What happens when a top reporter tries to quit the newspaper business, but his editor won’t let him go? In The Front Page, chaos ensues. Released in 1931, this fast-talking, quick-witted comedy dives headfirst into the wild world of journalism. Based on the hit Broadway play by Ben Hecht and Charles MacArthur, the film follows Hildy Johnson, a star reporter on the verge of leaving, and Walter Burns, his ruthless editor who will stop at nothing to keep him. With sharp dialogue, biting satire, and a look at the media that still feels relevant today, The Front Page is a pioneering classic that paved the way for screwball comedies for years to come. Directed by Lewis Milestone, this is one for the ages.

1931 Episode 2 - DOUBLE FEATURE - "Dracula" Directed by: Tod Browning & "Frankenstein" Directed by: James Whale.

In 1931, Universal Pictures revolutionized the horror genre with the release of two iconic films: *Dracula* and *Frankenstein*. Directed by Tod Browning and James Whale, respectively, these films became pillars of early cinematic horror. *Dracula*, starring Bela Lugosi as the charming and seductive Count Dracula, brought Bram Stoker's 1897 novel to life, immortalizing Lugosi’s portrayal as the definitive image of the vampire. On the other hand, *Frankenstein*, featuring Boris Karloff as the misunderstood monster, was based on Mary Shelley’s groundbreaking novel, *Frankenstein; or, The Modern Prometheus*. This adaptation explored themes of creation, humanity, and the ethical limits of science, solidifying Karloff’s performance as one of the most enduring in film history.

1931 Episode 1 - Directed By: Charlie Chaplin / January 30th, 1931

1931 truly gave us a masterpiece in Charlie Chaplins silent film “City Lights.” Many believe this is Chaplins Coute Grace, it’s a silent film that takes you on a journey of laughter, love, and heartbreak. As the Little Tramp falls for a blind flower girl, Chaplin embarks on a quest to help her regain her sight. With every antic and comedic beat hitting its mark, it’s the film’s unforgettable ending that will leave you breathless. As the story unfolds, the tension builds, leading to a final scene that’s both surprising and deeply emotional—a moment of pure cinematic magic that has become one of the most iconic in film history. Don’t miss the heartwarming conclusion that will stay with you long after the credits roll! Ladies and gentleman, this is City Lights!