Sweepings

Sweepings is a drama film from 1933, directed by John Cromwell, and starring Lionel Barrymore, Eric Linden, and William Gargan. The movie tells the story of a wealthy entrepreneur, Daniel Pardway, who builds a lucrative department store empire in the early 20th century.

The opening scene introduces us to Pardway, played by Barrymore, in his opulent New York City office. He is surrounded by his loyal assistant, Charlie, played by Gargan, and his two sons, Richard and Anthony, played by Linden and Gregory Ratoff respectively. Pardway is a stern and serious man who has built his business empire through hard work and shrewd business tactics.

As the movie progresses, we follow the ups and downs of Pardway's department store business. The store is a huge success, and Pardway becomes extremely wealthy. However, success brings jealousy and envy from people who knew him when he was poor. Pardway's relationship with his sons becomes strained as they begin to lead their own lives and make their own decisions. Richard, the elder son, becomes a playboy and spends his time drinking and gambling. Anthony, the younger son, becomes a socialist and starts to write about the plight of the poor.

Sweepings follows the fortunes of the Pardway family over a period of several years, during which time they experience triumphs and tragedies. In one scene, we see Pardway's wife die suddenly, leaving him grief-stricken and alone. In another scene, we witness Richard's reckless behavior lead to his arrest and imprisonment. Pardway's relationship with Anthony is also strained due to their differing beliefs and ideals.

Throughout the movie, we see Pardway's business empire flourish and grow, but we also witness the sacrifices he makes along the way. His obsession with success takes a toll on his personal life, and he becomes distant from his family. In one poignant scene, Pardway realizes that he has missed out on the important moments in his children's lives, and he expresses regret for the choices he has made.

The movie also highlights the struggles of the working-class people during the early 20th century. We see workers protesting outside Pardway's store, demanding better wages and working conditions. The movie portrays the tension between the wealthy business owners and the working-class people, and highlights the social and economic disparities of the time.

Sweepings is a thought-provoking movie that delves into complex themes of family, business, and class struggle. The performances of the actors, particularly Lionel Barrymore, are exceptional. The movie is beautifully shot and captures the essence of the early 20th century. Overall, Sweepings is a timeless masterpiece that has stood the test of time and remains relevant to this day.