On This Day... The Toast of New York (1937)

 Cary Grant's 28th film was The Toast of New York,  released on today's date back in 1937.

Summary: 

Notorious robber baron financier Jim Fisk, who makes and loses fortunes, tries to corner the gold market as well as the heart of a beautiful actress.

Cast:

Edward Arnold...Jim Fisk

Cary Grant...Nick Boyd

Frances Farmer...Josie Mansfield

Jack Oakie...Luke

Donald Meek...Daniel Drew

Thelma Leeds...Fleurique

Clarence Kolb...Cornelius Vanderbilt

Billy Gilbert... Photographer

George Irving...Broker

Russell Hicks...Lawyer

Dudley Clements...Collins

Lionel Belmore...President of Board

Robert McClung...Bellhop

Robert Dudley...Janitor

Dewey Robinson...Beef Dooley

Stanley Fields...Top Sergeant

Did You Know?

Unlike the events in the film, Jim Fisk was shot and killed in a fight over a woman. Josie Mansfield was only one of his romantic interests.

No mention is made of Jay Gould, the notorious robber baron, who conspired with Fisk to corner the gold market in The Panic 1869, three years before Fisk's death.

Alexander Hall was the original director, but fell ill with pleurisy and was replaced by Rowland V. Lee after two-thirds of the film was shot. The length of principal photography suggests that Lee reshot or expanded most of Hall's material, resulting in many cast changes. It is not known how much of Hall's footage remains in the film.

RKO borrowed Edward Arnold from B.P. Schulberg's production company, and Cary Grant and Frances Farmer from Paramount for this film.

Quotes:

Josie Mansfield: [Referring to Mlle. Fleurique's dress] But these are her clothes. It's stealing.

James 'Jim' Fisk Jr.: Only little people call it stealing. Big people call it borrowing.

Nick Boyd: Even the right horse can't win if he's carrying too heavy a load.

Josie Mansfield: Besides, if you want something real bad, you gotta take some hard knocks to get it.

James 'Jim' Fisk Jr.: Say, you've learned a lot for a young lady. What are you after... reaching for the moon?

Josie Mansfield: No, just one little star on a dressing room door.

Press Stills and Posters:

Directed by Rowland V. Lee

Distributed and Produced by RKO Radio.

Running time: 109 minutes 

Artwork by Rebekah Hawley at Studio36.