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OPEN CLASSIC CINEMA · 1244

The Younger Generation

192975 minUnited States

Video edition: Wikimedia Commons
Original language: English
This copy runs: 83:38
Subtitles: No subtitle track in this language

Languages and subtitles

No subtitle track in this language

Wikimedia Commons · Frank Capra · Public domain

Synopsis

Successful art dealer Morris Goldfish moves his immigrant family to Fifth Avenue and adopts a more fashionable name. The social position he wants makes him increasingly embarrassed by the people who raised him. Material success becomes a test of what he is prepared to abandon.

Cast

Jean Hersholt

Ricardo Cortez

Lina Basquette

DirectorsFrank Capra

Inspirations

Frank Capra's first sound film adapts Fannie Hurst's play It Is to Laugh. The part-talking format accompanies a drama about assimilation, family obligation and the limits of wealth.

Sources and availability

General references identify the work and its copy. A reference beside an editorial section is linked to the claims checked in that section.

Wikipedia — film reference Wikidata — film identity and credits

Work catalogued as public domain in the United States.

The public-domain references concern the original films in the United States. Rights can differ for other countries, editions, restorations, music or translations. Sources are listed on each film page.

Availability checked on September 15, 2026.

Photograph credit

Photographs cropped, resized and optimized as WebP, displayed in monochrome.

Jean Hersholt — Universal Studios · Public domain
Ricardo Cortez — Wikiwatcher1 at en.wikipedia · Public domain
Lina Basquette — Unknown author Unknown author; https://www.ebay.com/itm/Lina-Basquette-1907-94-genuine-autograph-signed-photo-8-x10-US-actress/382407675871?hash=item5909460fdf:g:TSQAAOSwai1Z5iYD · Public domain

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