The 1930s was a remarkable decade in the realm of cinema, witnessing the rise of influential films that left an indelible mark on the industry. During this era, numerous movies drew inspiration from the rich literary landscape, bringing beloved books to life on the silver screen. From timeless classics to thrilling adventures and heartfelt dramas, these adaptations captivated audiences with their compelling storytelling and memorable characters.
In this article, we explore a collection of 60 remarkable movies from the 1930s that were based on books. Spanning a variety of genres and themes, these films not only transported viewers to different worlds but also showcased the enduring power of literature as a source of inspiration for filmmakers.
Join us as we delve into this cinematic journey and rediscover the magic of these iconic adaptations.
1. A Christmas Carol (1938):
Charles Dickens’ timeless story of Ebenezer Scrooge and his redemption during the Christmas season is beautifully brought to life in this classic adaptation, “A Christmas Carol” (1938).
2. A Connecticut Yankee (1931):
Mark Twain’s satirical novel is the inspiration for this comedic film, “A Connecticut Yankee” (1931), where a modern man finds himself transported back in time to the court of King Arthur.
3. A Farewell to Arms (1932):
Ernest Hemingway’s powerful war novel is adapted into a romantic drama set during World War I, exploring the tragic love affair between an American ambulance driver and a British nurse in “A Farewell to Arms” (1932).
4. A Tale of Two Cities (1935):
Charles Dickens’ historical novel set during the French Revolution is vividly portrayed in this epic film, “A Tale of Two Cities” (1935), capturing the contrasts between London and Paris and the turmoil of the era.
5. Algiers (1938):
Inspired by the French novel “Pepe le Moko,” this crime drama unfolds in the exotic setting of Algiers, where a notorious thief falls for a beautiful woman, leading to a gripping series of events in “Algiers” (1938).
6. All Quiet on the Western Front (1930):
Erich Maria Remarque’s influential anti-war novel is brought to the screen in this powerful war drama, “All Quiet on the Western Front” (1930), depicting the harrowing experiences of young German soldiers during World War I.
7. Anna Karenina (1935):
Leo Tolstoy’s classic novel about love, passion, and societal expectations in Imperial Russia is masterfully adapted in this sweeping drama, starring Greta Garbo in the titular role of “Anna Karenina” (1935).
8. Blondie Meets the Boss (1939):
Based on the popular comic strip, this light-hearted comedy follows the misadventures of the Bumstead family as they navigate the challenges of work, family, and unexpected encounters in “Blondie Meets the Boss” (1939).
9. Brilliant Marriage (1936):
Inspired by Fyodor Dostoevsky’s novella, this Russian film explores themes of love, jealousy, and moral choices within a complex and emotionally charged marriage in “Brilliant Marriage” (1936).
10. Call of the Wild (1935):
Jack London’s adventure novel set in the Alaskan wilderness is brought to life in this thrilling film, following the journey of a sled dog named Buck and his experiences with various owners in “Call of the Wild” (1935).
11. Dancing Lady (1933):
Loosely based on the novel “The Dancer” by James Warner Bellah, this musical comedy stars Joan Crawford as a chorus girl who aspires to become a dancer in a Broadway show in “Dancing Lady” (1933).
12. David Copperfield (1935):
Charles Dickens’ classic novel is beautifully adapted in this heartfelt film, tracing the life of the titular character from his troubled childhood to his eventual success as a writer in “David Copperfield” (1935).
13. Desert Gold (1936):
Zane Grey’s Western novel serves as the backdrop for this action-packed film, revolving around a cowboy’s quest to find a lost gold mine while facing various dangers and adversaries in “Desert Gold” (1936).
14. Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde (1932):
Robert Louis Stevenson’s chilling tale of duality and the darker side of human nature is portrayed in this atmospheric horror film, starring Fredric March as the tortured Dr. Jekyll and his monstrous alter ego, Mr. Hyde, in “Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde” (1932).
15. Dracula (1931):
Bram Stoker’s iconic novel is adapted into one of the most famous vampire films of all time, “Dracula” (1931). Bela Lugosi’s portrayal of Count Dracula has become synonymous with the character.
16. Drums Along the Mohawk (1939):
Set during the American Revolution, this historical drama, based on the novel by Walter D. Edmonds, follows a newly married couple as they face the challenges of frontier life and warfare in “Drums Along the Mohawk” (1939).
17. Flash Gordon (1936):
Based on the popular comic strip, this science fiction serial follows the adventures of Flash Gordon as he battles the evil Emperor Ming the Merciless in the fantastical world of Mongo in “Flash Gordon” (1936).
18. Frankenstein (1931):
Mary Shelley’s classic Gothic novel is brought to life in this iconic horror film, portraying the story of Dr. Frankenstein and his creation of a monster played by Boris Karloff in “Frankenstein” (1931).
19. Gone with the Wind (1939):
Margaret Mitchell’s epic novel set against the backdrop of the American Civil War is adapted into a sweeping historical romance, following the indomitable Scarlett O’Hara and her tumultuous relationships in “Gone with the Wind” (1939).
20. Gulliver’s Travels (1939):
Jonathan Swift’s satirical novel is transformed into an animated feature, recounting the fantastical adventures of Lemuel Gulliver in the strange lands of Lilliput and Brobdingnag in “Gulliver’s Travels” (1939).
21. Jamaica Inn (1939):
Inspired by Daphne du Maurier’s novel, this atmospheric thriller tells the story of a young woman who becomes entangled in a dangerous smuggling ring operating from a remote Cornish inn in “Jamaica Inn” (1939).
22. Jane Eyre (1934):
Charlotte Brontí«’s beloved novel is adapted into a captivating period drama, chronicling the life of the resilient Jane Eyre and her complex relationship with the brooding Mr. Rochester in “Jane Eyre” (1934).
23. King Solomon’s Mines (1937):
H. Rider Haggard’s adventure novel takes center stage in this thrilling film, as a group of explorers embarks on a perilous journey to locate the fabled diamond mines of King Solomon in “King Solomon’s Mines” (1937).
24. La Chienne (1931):
Based on Georges de La Fouchardií¨re’s novel, this French film noir delves into themes of obsession, deceit, and crime, revolving around a love triangle and its tragic consequences in “La Chienne” (1931).
25. Les Misérables (1935):
Victor Hugo’s timeless tale of justice, redemption, and revolution is depicted in this dramatic film, tracing the journey of Jean Valjean as he seeks a new life while pursued by the relentless Inspector Javert in “Les Misérables” (1935).
26. Little Caesar (1931):
Inspired by W.R. Burnett’s novel, this influential gangster film stars Edward G. Robinson as a small-time criminal who rises to power in the world of organized crime, only to face the consequences of his actions in “Little Caesar” (1931).
27. Lost Horizon (1937):
James Hilton’s novel takes flight in this enchanting film, transporting viewers to the hidden utopia of Shangri-La, where a group of people discovers a haven of peace and wisdom amidst a troubled world in “Lost Horizon” (1937).
28. Mars Attacks the World (1938):
Loosely inspired by H.G. Wells’ “The War of the Worlds,” this science fiction serial follows the invasion of Earth by Martians and the efforts to thwart their deadly plans in “Mars Attacks the World” (1938).
29. Murder! (1930):
Based on Agatha Christie’s novel “Enter Sir John,” this Alfred Hitchcock-directed mystery unravels a complex murder case, blending suspense and intrigue as the truth is slowly revealed in “Murder!” (1930).
30. Oliver Twist (1933):
Charles Dickens’ classic tale of an orphan boy’s struggles and encounters with a cast of colorful characters is captured in this atmospheric film adaptation of “Oliver Twist” (1933).
31. On Borrowed Time (1939):
Adapted from Paul Osborn’s play, this heartwarming fantasy drama explores the themes of mortality and the value of time, as an old man and his grandson encounter Death personified in “On Borrowed Time” (1939).
32. Pépé le Moko (1937):
Inspired by Henri La Barthe’s novel, this French crime drama revolves around the notorious criminal Pépé le Moko and his complex relationship with a beautiful woman and the police pursuing him in “Pépé le Moko” (1937).
33. Piccadilly Jim (1936):
Based on P.G. Wodehouse’s comedic novel, this lighthearted romp follows the misadventures of a dashing young American in London as he becomes entangled in a series of humorous complications in “Piccadilly Jim” (1936).
34. Red-Headed Woman (1932):
Katherine Brush’s novel serves as the basis for this pre-Code romantic comedy, featuring Jean Harlow as a determined woman who uses her seductive charm to climb the social ladder in “Red-Headed Woman” (1932).
35. Scarface (1932):
Inspired by Armitage Trail’s novel, this gritty crime film tells the story of Tony Camonte, a ruthless mobster driven by power and violence, played by Paul Muni in “Scarface” (1932).
36. Susannah of the Mounties (1939):
Set in the Canadian wilderness, this family-friendly adventure follows a young girl named Susannah as she navigates cultural differences and finds friendship and love among the Mounties in “Susannah of the Mounties” (1939).
37. Svengali (1931):
Based on George du Maurier’s novel “Trilby,” this psychological drama centers around the hypnotist Svengali, who manipulates a young woman’s talent for singing to further his own ambitions in “Svengali” (1931).
38. Tarzan the Ape Man (1932):
Inspired by Edgar Rice Burroughs’ iconic character, this adventure film introduces Johnny Weissmuller as Tarzan, the jungle-dwelling hero who communicates with animals and fights against evil in “Tarzan the Ape Man” (1932).
39. The Blue Angel (1930):
Heinrich Mann’s novel serves as the inspiration for this German tragicomedy, as a stern professor falls into a self-destructive obsession with a seductive cabaret singer, played by Marlene Dietrich in “The Blue Angel” (1930).
40. The Case of the Lucky Legs (1935):
Drawing from Erle Stanley Gardner’s Perry Mason novel, this mystery film features the iconic defense attorney as he investigates a murder connected to a beauty pageant in “The Case of the Lucky Legs” (1935).
41. The Divorcee (1930):
Inspired by Ursula Parrott’s novel, this pre-Code drama explores the changing mores of marriage and infidelity, as a woman played by Norma Shearer seeks revenge after her husband’s affair in “The Divorcee” (1930).
42. The Good Earth (1937):
Pearl S. Buck’s Pulitzer Prize-winning novel is adapted into a poignant drama set in China, tracing the life of a peasant couple as they face hardships and find strength in their enduring love in “The Good Earth” (1937).
43. The Honduras Hurricane (1938):
Based on the novel “Hurricane” by Charles Nordhoff and James Norman Hall, this adventure film follows the thrilling exploits of a sailor caught in a deadly hurricane and his quest for survival in “The Honduras Hurricane” (1938).
44. The Hound of the Baskervilles (1939):
Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s iconic detective, Sherlock Holmes, is brought to life in this atmospheric mystery, investigating a supernatural curse haunting the Baskerville family in “The Hound of the Baskervilles” (1939).
45. The Hunchback of Notre Dame (1939):
Victor Hugo’s classic novel is adapted into a visually stunning film, starring Charles Laughton as the tormented Quasimodo, who falls in love with the beautiful Esmeralda in “The Hunchback of Notre Dame” (1939).
46. The Invisible Man (1933):
H.G. Wells’ science fiction novel is transformed into a gripping horror film, exploring the consequences of a scientist’s experiment that renders him invisible and drives him to madness in “The Invisible Man” (1933).
47. The Kennel Murder Case (1933):
Inspired by S.S. Van Dine’s detective novel, this mystery film features detective Philo Vance as he investigates a murder that takes place during a high-profile dog show in “The Kennel Murder Case” (1933).
48. The Light of Western Stars (1930):
Based on Zane Grey’s novel, this Western film showcases the rugged frontier and a romantic tale of love and conflict between a cowboy and a mysterious woman in “The Light of Western Stars” (1930).
49. The Man in the Iron Mask (1939):
Alexandre Dumas’ classic tale of a secret twin and political intrigue is depicted in this swashbuckling adventure, featuring the legendary Three Musketeers and their quest to right the wrongs of the monarchy in “The Man in the Iron Mask” (1939).
50. The Old Maid (1939):
Based on Edith Wharton’s novel, this period drama explores the complicated relationship between two cousins, played by Bette Davis and Miriam Hopkins, as they navigate love, marriage, and societal expectations in “The Old Maid” (1939).
51. The Painted Veil (1934):
W. Somerset Maugham’s novel is the basis for this romantic drama set in China, as a neglected wife embarks on a journey of self-discovery and redemption in the midst of a cholera outbreak in “The Painted Veil” (1934).
52. The Prince and the Pauper (1937):
Mark Twain’s beloved novel is adapted into a charming historical film, depicting the switch between a young prince and a pauper boy, offering a glimpse into the lives of the rich and the poor in Tudor England in “The Prince and the Pauper” (1937).
53. The Prisoner of Zenda (1937):
Anthony Hope’s adventure novel serves as the inspiration for this swashbuckling tale of mistaken identity, political intrigue, and romance, set in the fictional kingdom of Ruritania in “The Prisoner of Zenda” (1937).
54. The Wizard of Oz (1939):
L. Frank Baum’s timeless children’s novel is brought to life in this beloved musical fantasy film, following Dorothy’s journey through the magical land of Oz with her companions in “The Wizard of Oz” (1939).
55. Topper (1937):
Based on Thorne Smith’s novel, this supernatural comedy follows a fun-loving ghost couple as they try to liven up the life of a stuffy banker and his wife in “Topper” (1937).
56. Topper Takes a Trip (1938):
Continuing the adventures of the ghostly couple from “Topper,” this comedy sequel takes them on a trip to Paris, where more hilarity ensues in “Topper Takes a Trip” (1938).
57. Treasure Island (1934):
Robert Louis Stevenson’s classic adventure novel is vividly portrayed in this swashbuckling film, as young Jim Hawkins embarks on a quest for buried treasure and encounters the notorious Long John Silver in “Treasure Island” (1934).
58. Vanity Fair (1932):
William Makepeace Thackeray’s novel is adapted into a period drama, following the ambitious and cunning Becky Sharp as she navigates through British society in her quest for wealth and status in “Vanity Fair” (1932).
59. Wuthering Heights (1939):
Emily Brontí«’s haunting novel of love, obsession, and revenge unfolds in this atmospheric adaptation, exploring the turbulent relationship between Heathcliff and Catherine Earnshaw in “Wuthering Heights” (1939).
60. Young and Innocent (1937):
Based on Josephine Tey’s novel “A Shilling for Candles,” this Alfred Hitchcock-directed thriller follows a man who becomes embroiled in a murder investigation and must clear his name in “Young and Innocent” (1937).
