Josef von Sternberg. Theodore Dreiser. A sensational real-life murder trial. An American Tragedy (1931) had all the ingredients for a gripping, devastating film—so what went wrong?
Based on Dreiser’s 1925 novel (itself inspired by the infamous 1906 murder of Grace Mae Brown), An American Tragedy follows Clyde Griffiths, a status-hungry social climber whose ambition leads him down a dark and deadly path.
In this video, I break down why An American Tragedy is one of von Sternberg’s most disappointing films, from its stiff performances and lack of rising tension to its baffling decision to soften the film’s most crucial moment. But it’s not all bad—there are flashes of brilliance, especially in von Sternberg’s visual storytelling. So, is this movie worth your time? Let’s talk about it.
If you’re a fan of classic Hollywood, pre-Code cinema, or just want to see a master director fumble a fascinating story, this one’s for you. Watch now, and let’s discuss! 🎥✨ #AnAmericanTragedy #ClassicMovies #JosefVonSternberg #PreCodeHollywood
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