Question 1

Which director replaced Allan Dwan on American Madness and why?

Accepted Answer

Frank Capra replaced Allan Dwan after about a week or ten days. According to soundman Edward Bernds, Dwan's scenes were dull and even made Walter Huston look bad, so Capra threw out everything and started over.

Question 2

What real-life banker inspired the character of Thomas Dickson?

Accepted Answer

Frank Capra based the banker character on A. P. Giannini, founder of the Bank of America, as stated by Bank of America historian Duncan Knowles.

Question 3

What was the original title of American Madness and its intended purpose?

Accepted Answer

The film was originally titled 'Bank Story' and was intended to quell American discontent over alleged bank misbehavior during the Stock Market Crash of 1929.

Question 4

How long did Walter Huston work on American Madness and under what contract extension?

Accepted Answer

Walter Huston worked 4 weeks and 6 days on the production. Louis B. Mayer exercised a provision in his 1931 contract extending it for Huston's participation in this film.

Question 5

What crisis does banker Thomas Dickson face in American Madness?

Accepted Answer

Dickson faces a crisis when his protégé is wrongly accused of robbing the bank, gossip of the robbery starts a bank run, and evidence suggests his wife had an affair—all in the same day.

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American Madness

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