Romance in Manhattan

Romance in Manhattan

Year: 1935

Runtime: 78 mins

Language: English

Director: Stephen Roberts

RomanceDramaComedy

Karel Novak, a naive Czech immigrant, is taken under the wing of street‑wise New York chorus girl Sylvia. With help from good‑natured cop Murphy, Sylvia hides Karel from immigration officials and falls for him. Their troubles deepen when a crooked lawyer and well‑meaning welfare workers try to place Sylvia’s brother Frank in foster care.

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Timeline & Setting – Romance in Manhattan (1935)

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

Time period

1930s

The film takes place during the Great Depression era, a time marked by economic hardship, high unemployment, and social struggle in the United States. This period influenced many characters' situations, especially the challenges faced by immigrants and the working class trying to survive in a tough economy.

Location

New York City, USA

The movie is set in New York City, known for its bustling streets, iconic landmarks, and cultural diversity. It serves as a backdrop for the struggles of immigrants trying to establish a new life amidst economic hardship. The city’s vibrant environment plays a significant role in shaping the characters’ lives and the story’s progression.

🌆 Urban 🗽 Iconic 🏙️ Metropolitan

Last Updated: August 19, 2025 at 05:02

Main Characters – Romance in Manhattan (1935)

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

Karel Novak (Francis Lederer)

A naïve and optimistic Czech immigrant desperate to build a new life in America, Karel faces legal hurdles and societal prejudices. His resilience and earnestness drive the story, and his desire to become a citizen reflects hope amidst adversity.

💼 Immigrant 🌍 Hopeful 🤝 Loyal

Sylvia Dennis (Ginger Rogers)

An aspiring showgirl and loving sister, Sylvia is independent yet vulnerable. She symbolizes perseverance and kindness while striving to keep her family afloat during the Depression. Her romantic connection with Karel highlights themes of love overcoming social barriers.

🎭 Entertainer ❤️ Caring 💪 Resilient

Frank (Jimmy Butler)

Sylvia’s young brother, a resourceful newsboy who shows maturity beyond his years. His innocence and hope for a better life symbolize the struggles of childhood amidst economic hardship.

🧒 Child 🎩 Industrious 💖 Innocent

Pander (Arthur Hohl)

An unscrupulous attorney aiming to profit from Karel’s desire for citizenship. His actions highlight the corruption and desperation that can exist within the legal system.

⚖️ Corrupt 👔 Opportunist ❌ Dishonest

Murphy (J. Farrell MacDonald)

A kind police officer who seeks to help Karel and Sylvia navigate legal obstacles. His support underscores themes of compassion and justice within the law enforcement system.

👮 Compassionate 🤝 Supportive 🛡️ Protector

Last Updated: August 19, 2025 at 05:02

Major Themes – Romance in Manhattan (1935)

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

🌍 Immigration & Identity

The movie explores themes of immigration, identity, and the desire for a better life. Karel’s journey highlights the struggles of entering a new country illegally and seeking naturalization. The story also emphasizes the importance of legal and social acceptance, as well as the hope for belonging.

💔 Love & Sacrifice

Romance develops amidst hardship, illustrating themes of love, sacrifice, and social barriers. Karel and Sylvia’s relationship faces obstacles due to legal issues and societal expectations, yet their connection underscores resilience and hope for a future together.

⚖️ Justice & Law

Legal and illegal statuses play a critical role, with law enforcement and judicial proceedings affecting the characters’ lives. The film underscores the complexities of immigration law during the era and the human stories behind legal decisions, highlighting issues of justice and fairness.

Last Updated: August 19, 2025 at 05:02

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Narrative Summary

The narrative pattern involves an external, systemic conflict that threatens to keep the protagonists apart. The love story is intrinsically linked to their struggle for survival or legitimacy within a rigid structure. The plot is driven by navigating rules, paperwork, and authority figures, with the relationship providing the emotional strength to persevere.

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These films are united by their central theme of love as an act of defiance. They mix the personal stakes of a romance with the larger-scale tension of battling bureaucracy, creating a unique blend of anxiety and hope that resonates deeply.

Unlock the Full Story of Romance in Manhattan

Don't stop at just watching — explore Romance in Manhattan 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 Romance in Manhattan is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.

Romance in Manhattan Summary

Read a complete plot summary of Romance in Manhattan, 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.

Romance in Manhattan Summary

Romance in Manhattan Timeline

Track the full timeline of Romance in Manhattan with every major event arranged chronologically. Perfect for decoding non-linear storytelling, flashbacks, or parallel narratives with a clear scene-by-scene breakdown.

Romance in Manhattan Timeline

Romance in Manhattan Spoiler-Free Summary

Get a quick, spoiler-free overview of Romance in Manhattan that covers the main plot points and key details without revealing any major twists or spoilers. Perfect for those who want to know what to expect before diving in.

Romance in Manhattan Spoiler-Free Summary

More About Romance in Manhattan

Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about Romance in Manhattan: box office results, cast and crew info, production details, post-credit scenes, and external links — all in one place for movie fans and researchers.

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