David Harum

David Harum

Year: 1934

Runtime: 83 mins

Language: English

Director: James Cruze

ComedyDrama

In the 1890s, Rogers portrays a small‑town banker whose principal adversary is the local deacon, played by Middleton, with whom he has been exchanging horse flesh. Meanwhile, bank teller Taylor wagers $4,500 on a 10‑to‑1 harness‑racing horse; the winning bet secures his position as Rogers’s partner in the bank.

David Harum (1934) – Spoiler-Free Movie Summary & Plot Overview

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In the modest town of Homeville, the lingering tremors of the 1893 panic are felt more in gossip than in bank ledgers. Against this backdrop, David Harum runs the local bank with a blend of shrewdness and affable swagger, treating commerce as a conversational sport. His days are punctuated by the clatter of horse hooves and the easy banter of townsfolk, a reminder that even in hard times, humor and a well‑timed deal can soften the edge of uncertainty.

Deacon Perkins serves as Harum’s most spirited counterpart, their rivalry expressed through an ongoing exchange of horses that feels less like conflict and more like a playful duel of wits. This back‑and‑forth becomes the town’s unofficial theater, where each trade carries a wink and a lesson in mutual respect. Meanwhile, the bank’s own teller, Taylor, watches the harness‑racing circuit with keen interest; his daring wager—four‑thousand‑five‑hundred dollars on a ten‑to‑one shot—promises to reshape his standing within Harum’s establishment should fortune smile.

Around them, Homeville’s social fabric weaves in characters such as Ann Madison, a summer visitor whose genteel background adds a touch of elegance to the town’s sturdy rhythms, and John Lennox, a new hire whose fresh perspective hints at possible shifts in both business and heart. Their interactions, like the horse trades, are laced with the same blend of practicality and charm that defines Harum’s world. The film settles into a warm, wry tone, inviting the audience to linger over the simple pleasures of community, clever barter, and the quiet confidence that a well‑placed smile can be as valuable as a balanced ledger.

Last Updated: December 05, 2025 at 10:16

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Discover curated groups of movies connected by mood, themes, and story style. Browse collections built around emotion, atmosphere, and narrative focus to easily find films that match what you feel like watching right now.

Movies about town rivalries like David Harum

Stories where friendly competition strengthens community bonds and charms the audience.If you enjoyed the charming competition between David Harum and the Deacon, you'll like these other movies about good-natured rivalries in cozy towns. This collection features similar lighthearted comedies and dramas where local feuds bring communities closer together through humor and cleverness.

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Narrative Summary

The narrative typically follows a central, pragmatic character who engages in a longstanding, playful feud with a neighbor or local counterpart. Their competition—often involving trades, bets, or social standing—drives the plot, while a simpler subplot (like a budding romance) develops alongside it. The resolution sees the rivals achieving a mutual, satisfying triumph that cements their respectful, if still competitive, relationship.

Why These Movies?

Movies in this thread are grouped by their focus on low-stakes, affectionate conflict as the core of the story. They share a LIGHT tone, STEADY pacing, and a focus on community dynamics over high drama, creating a uniformly warm and humorous viewing experience.

Movies with clever protagonists like David Harum

Character-driven stories where shrewdness and practical wit lead to happy endings.Fans of David Harum's horse-trading savvy and banking acumen will enjoy these other films about shrewd, pragmatic characters. Discover similar movies where cleverness and practical wisdom triumph, offering lighthearted and satisfying stories with a focus on smart solutions and happy outcomes.

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Narrative Summary

The plot revolves around the protagonist's ingenious schemes and negotiations, which are the primary source of both conflict and resolution. Their practical approach to life is tested but ultimately proven successful, often benefiting a younger protege or the wider community. The journey is straightforward, emphasizing the fun of the clever plan coming together rather than complex twists.

Why These Movies?

These films are linked by their celebration of a specific character archetype: the savvy, good-hearted operator. They share a LIGHT emotional weight, a HAPPY ending, and a narrative that finds joy in cleverness and practical problem-solving, creating a consistently uplifting and witty vibe.

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David Harum Summary

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Characters, Settings & Themes in David Harum

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Characters, Settings & Themes in David Harum

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