Movie Reviewed: Toast of New York (1937)

Movie Reviewed: Toast of New York (1937), starring Cary Grant and Frances Farmer

A drama based on historical facts and Frances Farmer is superb!

Toast of New York (1937) is a fascinating story of greed, treachery and love. The story is partly based on historical facts of Jim Fisk, a con-man who collaborates with fellow financier and American railroad builder Jay Gould and their attempt to corner the gold market in 1869. Jay Gould illegally issued new stock for Erie Railroads to compete with Vanderbilt, and Vanderbilt employed the Bowery Boys against Fisk over his meddling. Bowery Boys were a Manhattan gang later used in Martin Scorsese's "Gangs of New York."

The main story is the love triangle between Jim Fisk (Edward Arnold), Nick Boyd (Cary Grant) and Josie Mansfield (Frances Farmer). When the factious schemes of Fisk go awry, Josie finds love with Nick. The love triangle causes some anxious moments between two best friends; in real life Jim Fisk was shot and killed by Nick over Josie Mansfield.

I am a big fan of Frances Farmer and Cary Grant; I wished they had shown more romantic moments in the movie. Frances Farmer looks stunning in colonial attire and Cary Grant looks as charming as ever. I thoroughly enjoyed this movie and it is highly recommended.