Upperworld

Upperworld

Year: 1934

Runtime: 73 mins

Language: English

Director: Roy Del Ruth

CrimeDrama

After his wife suffers a tragic accident at work, a disillusioned railroad magnate begins an affair with a glamorous showgirl. Their romance seems pleasant until her manager discovers the liaison and begins extorting the wealthy man, threatening to ruin both their lives.

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Timeline & Setting – Upperworld (1934)

Explore the full timeline and setting of Upperworld (1934). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

1930s

The story unfolds in the early to mid-1930s, an era of opulent social rituals among America's wealthy. The period is defined by conspicuous consumption, high-society expectations, and a fragile balance between public virtue and private vice. Amid a backdrop of fashionable soirées and lavish travel, characters navigate personal cravings against the weight of social codes.

Location

New York City

New York City provides the glittering backdrop for Upperworld, with its exclusive parties, luxurious apartments, and public surfaces that mask private betrayals. The city atmosphere amplifies the tension between public image and private longing, as wealth and status dictate social interactions. The urban setting also supports the rapid chain of events—from banquets to clandestine meetings—that drive the plot.

🏙️ City 🎭 High society 💼 Business

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 15:44

Main Characters – Upperworld (1934)

Meet the key characters of Upperworld (1934), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Alexander Stream (Warren William)

A multimillionaire whose longing for connection clashes with his devotion to his wife and public image. He uses wealth and influence to navigate social constraints, but his loneliness pushes him toward a dangerous affair and a complex path to redemption.

💼 Wealth 🕴️ Power 💔 Infidelity

Hettie Stream (Mary Astor)

A society wife who prioritizes status and appearances over emotional closeness. Her actions reveal a longing for genuine connection, tempered by the demands of maintaining a perfect marriage in a high-society world.

💍 Status 👩‍💼 Society 🔒 Loyalty

Lilly Linda (Ginger Rogers)

A glamorous burlesque performer drawn into an affair with Alex. Her warmth and vulnerability contrast with a ruthless environment that uses romance for advantage, ultimately placing her at the center of a perilous plot.

💖 Romance 🎭 Glamour 🗝️ Blackmail

Lou Colima (J. Carrol Naish)

Lilly's manager with ambitions that push him toward manipulation and violence. His schemes demonstrate how greed can ignite danger when love and money intersect.

🕴️ Manipulation 💰 Crime 🗡️ Threat

Oscar (Andy Devine)

Alex's loyal driver who observes the escalating drama with practicality and humor. He embodies the quiet support system around a powerful figure and witnesses the consequences of the couple's choices.

🚗 Service 😂 Companionship 🧭 Loyalty

Officer Moran (Sidney Toler)

An incorruptible beat cop who relentlessly pursues the truth. His investigation challenges the notion of a spotless public image and ultimately tests the integrity of the entire system.

👮 Integrity 🧭 Investigation 🕵️ Skeptic

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 15:44

Major Themes – Upperworld (1934)

Explore the central themes of Upperworld (1934), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

💔 Forbidden Love

Lilly Linda's romance with Alexander Stream exposes the peril of seeking affection outside a marriage built on appearances. The affair destabilizes loyalties, triggering a spiraling sequence of concealment, manipulation, and danger. The relationship highlights how passion can collide with social expectations, leaving both lovers exposed to consequences.

💸 Elite Wealth

Wealth and social status shape every decision, from lodging lavish gifts to orchestrating cover-ups. Alex leverages his fortune to escape scrutiny and influence outcomes, while others seek profit or protection through money. The film uses luxury to reveal ethical fragility and how money can distort judgment and loyalty.

📰 Media Pressure

The press acts as both witness and weapon, amplifying the scandal and forcing accountability. Moran's pursuit of the truth pits integrity against a system willing to accept corrupt practices. Public exposure becomes a reckoning that tests characters' willingness to confront their own actions.

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 15:44

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Unlock the Full Story of Upperworld

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Upperworld Summary

Read a complete plot summary of Upperworld, 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.

Upperworld Summary

Upperworld Timeline

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Upperworld Timeline

More About Upperworld

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More About Upperworld

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