Thunder in the City is a British-American comedy-drama about an ambitious American businessman who tries to introduce brash sales techniques in traditional England, only to find himself clashing with local customs. The film explores themes of culture clash, capitalism, and personal reinvention, all set against a backdrop of British aristocracy and transatlantic misunderstanding.
Genre: Comedy, Drama
Director: Marion Gering
Marion Gering was a Russian-born American stage and film director active in the 1930s and early 1940s. He began his career in theatre before transitioning to Hollywood, where he directed several films for Paramount. Known for his visual flair and dramatic sensibilities, Gering often helmed films that blended romance and social commentary. After his Hollywood period, his output slowed, and he worked on a few projects overseas, including this British production.
Star Cast
- Edward G. Robinson as Dan Armstrong
- Luli Deste as Lady Patricia
- Nigel Bruce as Duke of Glenavon
- Ralph Richardson as Henry V. Manningdale
- Constance Collier as Grand Duchess Maria
- Arthur Wontner as Lord Ponsonby
- Annie Esmond as Lady Ponsonby
Thunder in the City received mixed reviews on release. While Edward G. Robinson’s performance was generally praised, critics were less convinced by the film’s tone, which shifted between farce and sentimentality. Audiences enjoyed the spectacle of an American fish-out-of-water tale, but it did not achieve great commercial success. Over time, the film has found minor cult status for Robinson fans and those interested in Anglo-American film collaborations of the era.
Fun Facts
- The film was shot at Pinewood Studios and was one of several British productions to feature major American stars in an effort to boost appeal on both sides of the Atlantic.
- Edward G. Robinson, best known for his gangster roles, took this part to broaden his range and play against type in a light-hearted setting.
- Ralph Richardson, later knighted and considered one of Britain’s greatest stage actors, had one of his early film roles in this production.
- The movie’s premise pokes fun at both American brashness and British rigidity, making it a comedic commentary on 1930s cultural stereotypes.
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