Is A Successful Calamity Worth Watching?
Answer: Maybe not, A Successful Calamity is likely a skip if you enjoy Comedy movies.
It features a runtime of 72 minutes and offers a standard storyline that appeals to general audiences.
A Successful Calamity Review
Last updated: January 11, 2026
The Premise
Released in 1932, A Successful Calamity enters the Comedy genre with a narrative focused on Henry Wilton is an elderly millionaire saddled with his selfish young second wife Emmy 'Sweetie' Wilton and a pair of spoiled grown children, Peggy and Eddie. Under the direction of John G. Adolfi, the film attempts to weave detailed character arcs with visual storytelling.
Cast & Performance
The film is anchored by performances from George Arliss. While the cast delivers competent performances, the script occasionally limits their range.
Technical Mastery & Style
From a technical standpoint, A Successful Calamity offers a competent presentation. The cinematography uses a distinct visual palette that aligns well with the tone. The sharp editing keeps the narrative moving at a brisk pace, maximizing the impact of the key sequences.
Social Impact & Cultural Context
Beyond the narrative, A Successful Calamity resonates with current cultural themes in the Comedy space. It stays within the established boundaries of its genre, providing exactly what core fans expect without reinventing the wheel.
Where to Watch & Streaming Info
As of early 2026, A Successful Calamity is available in theaters worldwide. For audiences in the US, UK, and India, digital rentals are typically available on platforms like Amazon Prime and Apple TV roughly 45-60 days after the theatrical release.
Narrative Arc & Plot Breakdown
The plot of A Successful Calamity centers on a unique premise within the Comedy landscape. Henry Wilton is an elderly millionaire saddled with his selfish young second wife Emmy 'Sweetie' Wilton and a pair of spoiled grown children, Peggy and Eddie. To test his family's mettle, Henry pretends to have gone broke. Just as he suspected they would, his children rally to their father's side and change their ways: Peggy forsakes the fortune hunter George Struthers for the nice young man she's really in love with, the polo coach Larry Rivers, while Eddie applies for a demanding job and performs admirably. Only Sweetie seems to desert Henry. The second act serves as a major turning point, leading to a climax that fans of 1932 cinema will find fairly predictable.
Ending Explained & Sequel Potential
The ending of A Successful Calamity has sparked significant debate on social media. It signifies the ambiguous resolution of the main plot thread. Given the current box office momentum, discussions of a A Successful Calamity sequel or a wider cinematic universe are already gaining traction.
Final Editorial Verdict
Final verdict for A Successful Calamity (1932): with an audience rating of 5.2/10, the reception has been divisive. It is a recommended for fans of Comedy, Drama cinema who appreciate attention to detail.
Parents Guide & Age Rating
A Successful Calamity is rated NR.
Final Verdict
Analyzing the audience sentiment, IMDb rating of 5.2/10, and global collection metrics, A Successful Calamity stands as a challenging project for the creators. It remains an essential piece of the 1932 cinematic year.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is A Successful Calamity movie hit or flop?
A Successful Calamity has received mixed reviews with a 5.2/10 rating, making it a moderate success with the audience.
Is A Successful Calamity worth watching?
A Successful Calamity is a mixed bag. It might be worth watching if you're a fan of Comedy, Drama movies, but read reviews first.
Where can I watch A Successful Calamity online?
A Successful Calamity may be available for rent or purchase on digital platforms like Apple TV, Google Play, or Amazon Prime Video. Specific streaming availability can vary by country.
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People Also Ask (FAQs)
Is A Successful Calamity movie hit or flop?
A Successful Calamity has received mixed reviews with a 5.2/10 rating, making it a moderate success with the audience.
Is A Successful Calamity worth watching?
A Successful Calamity is a mixed bag. It might be worth watching if you're a fan of Comedy, Drama movies, but read reviews first.
Where can I watch A Successful Calamity online?
A Successful Calamity may be available for rent or purchase on digital platforms like Apple TV, Google Play, or Amazon Prime Video. Specific streaming availability can vary by country.
What is the story of A Successful Calamity?
A Successful Calamity is a Comedy, Drama movie that follows: Henry Wilton is an elderly millionaire saddled with his selfish young second wife Emmy 'Sweetie' Wilton and a pair of spoiled grown children, Peggy and Eddie. To test his family's mettle, Henry preten...
Is A Successful Calamity family friendly?
Yes, A Successful Calamity is generally suitable for family viewing as it is a Comedy, Drama movie.
What language is A Successful Calamity available in?
A Successful Calamity is primarily available in its original language, with subtitles and dubbed versions available on various streaming services and digital stores.
Synopsis
Henry Wilton is an elderly millionaire saddled with his selfish young second wife Emmy 'Sweetie' Wilton and a pair of spoiled grown children, Peggy and Eddie. To test his family's mettle, Henry pretends to have gone broke. Just as he suspected they would, his children rally to their father's side and change their ways: Peggy forsakes the fortune hunter George Struthers for the nice young man she's really in love with, the polo coach Larry Rivers, while Eddie applies for a demanding job and performs admirably. Only Sweetie seems to desert Henry.
Critic Reviews
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