Grumpy (1930)
A priceless diamond, a furious old ex-attorney, and a mystery only the crankiest man in the room can crack.
Grumpy - Movie Information
- Release Year: 1930
- Directed by: George Cukor, Cyril Gardner
- Type: Movie
- Genres: Crime, Mystery, Comedy
- Runtime: 1h 14m
- Original Language: English
- Spoken Languages: English
- Release Date (Theatrical): August 1, 1930 (United States)
- Production Companies: Paramount Pictures
- Production Countries: United States of America
Grumpy - Plot
A crotchety, old ex-attorney solves the violent theft of a priceless diamond from his nephew.
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Grumpy - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- George Cukor
- Cyril Gardner
Main Cast
- Cyril Maude
- Phillips Holmes
- Frances Dade
- Paul Lukas
- Halliwell Hobbes
- Paul Cavanagh
- Doris Luray
- Olaf Hytten
- Robert Bolder
- Colin Kenny
Writers
- Doris Anderson
Grumpy - FAQs
What is Grumpy (1930) about?
Grumpy follows a sharp-tongued, retired attorney nicknamed 'Grumpy' Bullivant who springs into action when a priceless diamond is violently stolen from his nephew. Equal parts whodunit and character comedy, the film showcases the old curmudgeon's wit and legal cunning as he outsmarts the thieves himself.
Who plays the lead role in Grumpy?
Cyril Maude takes the title role as 'Grumpy' Bullivant, the irascible ex-attorney at the heart of the story. Maude had played the character on stage before reprising it here, and his seasoned theatrical presence gives the film much of its charm and comic energy.
Who directed Grumpy (1930)?
Grumpy was co-directed by George Cukor and Cyril Gardner. It stands as one of Cukor's earliest Hollywood directing credits, made during his transition from Broadway to Paramount Pictures, and already hints at the sharp character work that would define his later celebrated career.
Is Grumpy based on a stage play?
Yes — Grumpy is adapted from the 1913 stage play of the same name by Horace Hodges and Thomas Wigney Percyval. The play was a long-running success in both London and New York, and Cyril Maude, who starred on stage, reprised his beloved role for this 1930 Paramount sound adaptation.
Where can you watch Grumpy (1930)?
Streaming availability for Grumpy varies by region and platform. Your best bet is to check JustWatch, which tracks current viewing options across rental, purchase, and streaming services so you can find the most up-to-date place to watch it in your area.
What genre is Grumpy (1930)?
Grumpy blends three genres into one entertaining package: Crime, Mystery, and Comedy. The diamond heist provides the thriller backbone, the investigation keeps the mystery ticking, and the cantankerous personality of its lead character delivers consistent laughs throughout the film's brisk 74-minute runtime.
How was Grumpy received when it was released?
Released in August 1930, Grumpy arrived during Hollywood's early sound era and was warmly received for Cyril Maude's commanding central performance. Critics praised the film's theatrical wit and the chemistry of its cast, and it helped establish George Cukor as a director with a strong instinct for character-driven storytelling.
What are some movies similar to Grumpy?
If you enjoy Grumpy's mix of crime capers and comedy, you might also like The Asphalt Jungle (1950), The Return of the Pink Panther (1975), Flawless (2007), or Reservoir Dogs (1992). For something lighter and closer in spirit, The Wrong Trousers (1993) and The Great Muppet Caper (1981) are fun picks.
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