The Rich Are Always with Us

The Rich Are Always with Us

Year: 1932

Runtime: 71 mins

Language: English

Director: Alfred E. Green

DramaRomance

Set against the opulent backdrop of Park Avenue and Parisian boudoirs, the film offers a sumptuous portrait of a glamorous, sensuous society. It follows a wealthy couple whose marriage unravels as the husband’s infidelity creates tension, while a longtime male friend, secretly in love with the wife, sees an opportunity to step in.

The Rich Are Always with Us (1932) – Spoiler-Free Movie Summary & Plot Overview

Get a spoiler-free look at The Rich Are Always with Us (1932) with a clear plot overview that covers the setting, main characters, and story premise—without revealing key twists or the ending. Perfect for deciding if this film is your next watch.

In the glittering world of Park Avenue, where marble foyers echo with whispered gossip and Parisian boudoirs promise secret rendezvous, society moves to a rhythm of champagne‑toasted evenings and meticulously polished appearances. The film bathes this elite landscape in a sumptuous, sensuous palette, letting the viewer feel the weight of silk, the glow of crystal, and the undercurrent of ambition that hums beneath every polished surface.

At the heart of this tableau is Caroline Grannard, a dazzling New York socialite whose life seems perfectly aligned with wealth, status, and the effortless poise expected of her class. By her side is Greg Grannard, her husband, whose public charm masks a growing disquiet that begins to fracture the veneer of their marriage. The presence of Allison Adair Grannard, a striking figure whose allure and ambition intersect with the couple’s already fragile equilibrium, adds a tantalizing edge to the domestic portrait.

Across the Atlantic, Julian Tierney—a seasoned novelist and war correspondent—has long harbored a quiet, unspoken affection for Caroline. When their paths cross again in Paris, the chemistry that has simmered for years surfaces, offering Caroline a glimpse of a different kind of partnership, one built on shared intellect and lingering yearning. Meanwhile, Malbro, an intimate confidante, maneuvers within the same social circles, pushing her own designs while subtly guiding the fates of those she cares for.

The story unfolds as a study of choice and consequence, where love, duty, and societal expectation collide in a world that values both appearance and authenticity. Against this backdrop of opulence and restrained drama, the characters navigate the delicate balance between personal desire and the obligations that bind them, leaving the audience to wonder which path will ultimately reconcile heart and honor.

Last Updated: December 05, 2025 at 10:19

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Bittersweet High Society Romances like The Rich Are Always with Us

Where love and loyalty clash within the polished world of the elite.If you enjoyed The Rich Are Always with Us, you'll appreciate these other movies that blend glamorous settings with emotionally resonant romantic dilemmas. This collection features similar stories of love, duty, and the bittersweet choices faced by characters navigating the intricate social pressures of the upper class.

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Narrative Summary

The narrative typically follows characters entangled in love triangles or marital strife, set against a backdrop of opulence. The central conflict arises from the tension between social obligation and personal passion, often leading to a compromise or a pragmatic resolution that is hopeful yet tinged with melancholy.

Why These Movies?

These films are grouped together for their shared focus on romantic drama within an elite setting, their bittersweet tone, and their exploration of themes like duty, desire, and sacrifice. They offer a similar mix of emotional reflection and glamorous spectacle.

Movies with Restrained Emotional Drama like The Rich Are Always with Us

Stories where characters navigate heartbreak with quiet dignity.Explore movies similar to The Rich Are Always with Us that master the art of emotional restraint. These films tackle serious themes like infidelity and sacrifice without overwhelming heaviness, focusing on nuanced character studies and realistic, bittersweet resolutions.

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Narrative Summary

The narrative journey is character-driven, focusing on the internal struggle of protagonists facing difficult personal choices. The plot unfolds at a steady pace, allowing the emotional weight of decisions like sacrifice or choosing duty over desire to resonate deeply without resorting to high drama.

Why These Movies?

They are connected by a shared approach to storytelling: a medium emotional weight, a steady pacing that allows for reflection, and a tone that respects the complexity of human emotions without becoming overly sentimental or bleak.

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The Rich Are Always with Us Summary

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The Rich Are Always with Us Summary

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Characters, Settings & Themes in The Rich Are Always with Us

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Characters, Settings & Themes in The Rich Are Always with Us

More About The Rich Are Always with Us

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