Frank Borzage directed Liliom, a pre-Code, written by S. N. Behrman and Sonya Levien, based on Molnar’s famous play (which would serve as inspiration for the musical Carousel).
The film stars Charles Farrell, Rose Hobart, Estelle Taylor, H. B. Warner, Lee Tracy and Walter Abel.
The film was released on October 5, 1930, by Fox Film Corporation.
Liliom, a merry-go-round barker at a Budapest amusement park, becomes enamored of Julie, a servant girl.
Though under the influence of Madame Muskat, a sideshow entrepreneur, he marries the girl.
Although he has not been a good provider, Liliom is spurred into action when his wife gets pregnant. He is influenced by his friend Buzzard to rob a bank cashier so that he can take Julie to America.
Cast
Charles Farrell as Liliom
Rose Hobart as Julie
Estelle Taylor as Mme. Muscat
H. B. Warner as Chief Magistrate
Lee Tracy as The Buzzard
Walter Abel as Carpenter
Mildred Van Dorn as Marie
Guinn “Big Boy” Williams as Hollinger
Lillian Elliott as Aunt Hulda
Anne Shirley as Louise
Bert Roach as Wolf
James A. Marcus as Linzman
Harvey Clark as Angel Gabriel
Oscar Apfel as Stefen Kadar (uncredited)
Credits:
Directed by Frank Borzage
Screenplay by S. N. Behrman, Sonya Levien, Ferenc Molnár (play)
Produced by William Fox
Cinematography Chester A. Lyons
Edited by Margaret Clancey
Music by Richard Fall
Production and distribution: Fox Film Corporation
Release date: October 5, 1930
Running time 94 minutes
