Diamond Jim

Diamond Jim

Year: 1935

Runtime: 88 mins

Language: English

Director: A. Edward Sutherland

Drama

The World’s Most Spectulator Personality! A loose biopic based on the life of Gilded Age tycoon “Diamond” Jim Brady.

Warning: spoilers below!

Haven’t seen Diamond Jim yet? This summary contains major spoilers. Bookmark the page, watch the movie, and come back for the full breakdown. If you're ready, scroll on and relive the story!

Timeline & Setting – Diamond Jim (1935)

Explore the full timeline and setting of Diamond Jim (1935). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

Late 19th to early 20th century

The narrative spans the latter half of the 19th century into the early 20th century, tracing Jim Brady’s rise during the era of railroad expansion and booming consumer culture. It mirrors the social whirl of the Gilded Age, with extravagant entertainment and rapid financial shifts. The plot also touches on later economic turmoil that tests fortunes and resilience.

Location

Spuyten Duyvil, New York, United States

The story unfolds around the Spuyten Duyvil area and travels across the American rail network, capturing the expansion of the United States during the Gilded Age. Key scenes occur in bustling train yards, lavish social venues, and commercial hubs as Jim builds his empire. The setting highlights a culture of spectacle, wealth, and public adoration that defined the era.

🗺️ New York area 🕰️ 19th-early 20th century

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 18:32

Main Characters – Diamond Jim (1935)

Meet the key characters of Diamond Jim (1935), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Diamond Jim Brady (Edward Arnold)

A flamboyant, wealth-driven pioneer who climbs from baggage master to celebrated diamond magnate. He revels in luxury, uses showmanship to promote ventures, and seeks social approval through grand appearances. Beneath the bravado lies a longing for love and acceptance that complicates his ambitions.

💎 Wealth 🎭 Showmanship 🍷 Indulgence

Jane Matthews / Emma (Jean Arthur)

A lookalike for Emma who captures Jim’s attention while remaining principled and cautious. She faces a moral dilemma between honesty and compassion, navigating romantic tensions with Jim and Jerry. Her warmth and restraint anchor the human side of Jim’s extravagant world.

💞 Romance 👥 Identity 🎭 Drama

Jerry Richardson (Cesar Romero)

A successful businessman and love interest of Lillian Russell, offering a steady, principled contrast to Jim’s flamboyance. He represents pragmatic romance and social ambition, influencing the emotional dynamics of the trio.

💼 Business ❤️ Romance 🧭 Choice

Lillian Russell (Binnie Barnes)

A renowned singer whose career Jim helps promote, embodying celebrity power and artistic ambition. She balances personal feelings with professional demands, adding another layer to the romance and social spectacle.

🎤 Career 💃 Celebrity ❤️ Romance

Mr. Fox (Eric Blore)

A crafty salesman whose scheming injects humor and twists into Jim’s enterprise. His schemes spur new ventures and create complications in Jim’s plans.

🧠 Scheming 😂 Comedy 🧭 Influence

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 18:32

Major Themes – Diamond Jim (1935)

Explore the central themes of Diamond Jim (1935), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

💎 Wealth

Diamond Jim embodies conspicuous consumption and the lure of opulence. The film follows his diamond-driven branding, extravagant meals, and lavish lifestyle as markers of success. This wealth fuels admiration and risk, shaping both his charisma and potential downfall.

💖 Love Triangle

Romantic entanglements drive the plot: Jim’s pursuit of Emma, his attraction to Lillian Russell, and the lookalike Jane Matthews create a complex web of affection and miscommunication. Relationships are tested by fame, social pressure, and personal insecurities. The emotional stakes are entwined with ambition and loyalty.

📉 Fortune & Fall

The film charts a dramatic rise to prominence followed by a fall when fortunes waver and the stock market looms intimidating. Jim’s resilience is tested as he rebuilds after setbacks, illustrating reinvention and the costs of chasing grand dreams. The arc emphasizes the volatility of wealth and the persistence needed to recover.

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 18:32

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Don't stop at just watching — explore Diamond Jim in full detail. From the complete plot summary and scene-by-scene timeline to character breakdowns, thematic analysis, and a deep dive into the ending — every page helps you truly understand what Diamond Jim is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.

Diamond Jim Summary

Read a complete plot summary of Diamond Jim, including all key story points, character arcs, and turning points. This in-depth recap is ideal for understanding the narrative structure or reviewing what happened in the movie.

Diamond Jim Summary

Diamond Jim Timeline

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Diamond Jim Timeline

More About Diamond Jim

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More About Diamond Jim

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