Question 1

What real-life murder case inspired Theodore Dreiser's novel?

Accepted Answer

The novel was based on the 1906 murder of Grace Brown by Chester Gillette, who was executed in 1908.

Question 2

Why did the murder victim's mother sue Paramount in 1934?

Accepted Answer

Grace Brown's mother filed a $150,000 libel suit against Paramount, which was settled out of court.

Question 3

What was Theodore Dreiser's objection to the film adaptation?

Accepted Answer

Dreiser sued Paramount for misrepresenting his novel as an ordinary murder story, but the judge ruled in favor of Paramount.

Question 4

Why was the film banned in England, South Africa, and Italy?

Accepted Answer

The movie was banned due to references to abortion; some states required those allusions to be deleted before release.

Question 5

Which actor played the social-climbing protagonist Clyde Griffiths?

Accepted Answer

Phillips Holmes portrayed Clyde Griffiths in the film.

An American Tragedy

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