{"product_id":"laughter-1930-dvd-nancy-carroll-fredric-march-frank-morgan-rare-pre-code-comedy","title":"Laughter 1930 DVD Nancy Carroll Fredric March Frank Morgan Rare Pre-Code Comedy","description":"\u003ch1\u003eLAUGHTER (1930) — PREMIUM COLLECTOR DVD\u003c\/h1\u003e\u003ch2\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLaughter 1930 DVD Nancy Carroll Fredric March Frank Morgan Rare Pre-Code Comedy Drama\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003chr\u003e\u003ch1\u003eLAUGHTER (1930)\u003c\/h1\u003e\u003ch3\u003eSophisticated Pre-Code Comedy-Drama • Nancy Carroll • Fredric March • Frank Morgan\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cp\u003eRediscover the wit, romance and sophistication of \u003cstrong\u003ePre-Code Hollywood\u003c\/strong\u003e with \u003cstrong\u003eLaughter (1930)\u003c\/strong\u003e, a rarely seen early sound comedy-drama starring \u003cstrong\u003eNancy Carroll, Fredric March and Frank Morgan\u003c\/strong\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eDirected by \u003cstrong\u003eH. d’Abbadie d’Arrast\u003c\/strong\u003e, \u003cem\u003eLaughter\u003c\/em\u003e is an urbane story about the conflict between \u003cstrong\u003ewealth and happiness, security and love, respectability and the freedom to actually enjoy life\u003c\/strong\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eNancy Carroll stars as \u003cstrong\u003ePeggy Gibson\u003c\/strong\u003e, a former Follies beauty who has traded her carefree existence for marriage to wealthy and considerably older stockbroker \u003cstrong\u003eC. Mortimer Gibson\u003c\/strong\u003e, played by Frank Morgan.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003ePeggy now possesses many of the things money can buy—but the luxurious life surrounding her has failed to provide the happiness she expected.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eHer comfortable but emotionally empty world begins to unravel when \u003cstrong\u003ePaul Lockridge\u003c\/strong\u003e, a lively pianist and former admirer played by Fredric March, returns from Paris.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003ePaul represents almost everything Peggy's present life does not: spontaneity, music, affection, freedom—and above all, \u003cstrong\u003elaughter\u003c\/strong\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eAt the same time, troubled sculptor \u003cstrong\u003eRalph Le Saint\u003c\/strong\u003e, another man with feelings for Peggy, remains bitter over losing her. Complications increase when Gibson's young daughter \u003cstrong\u003eMarjorie\u003c\/strong\u003e returns from school abroad and becomes involved with Ralph.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003ePeggy soon finds herself caught between the secure life she deliberately chose and the happier, less predictable existence she left behind.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eAs romantic complications grow increasingly serious, the film moves beyond light drawing-room comedy into surprisingly mature territory involving unhappy marriage, infidelity, money, emotional desperation and suicide.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eUltimately Peggy must decide whether material security is enough—or whether life without love, happiness and laughter is no life at all.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eAFI classifies \u003cstrong\u003eLaughter\u003c\/strong\u003e as a comedy-drama and records an original running time of approximately \u003cstrong\u003e85 minutes\u003c\/strong\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003chr\u003e\u003ch1\u003eSTARRING\u003c\/h1\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eNancy Carroll\u003c\/strong\u003e — Peggy Gibson\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFredric March\u003c\/strong\u003e — Paul Lockridge\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFrank Morgan\u003c\/strong\u003e — C. Mortimer Gibson\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eGlenn Anders\u003c\/strong\u003e — Ralph Le Saint\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDiane Ellis\u003c\/strong\u003e — Marjorie Gibson\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLeonard Carey\u003c\/strong\u003e — Benham\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOllie Burgoyne\u003c\/strong\u003e — Pearl\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eAFI confirms the principal cast, including Carroll as Peggy Gibson, March as Paul Lockridge and Morgan as C. Mortimer Gibson.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003chr\u003e\u003ch1\u003ePRODUCTION CREDITS\u003c\/h1\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDirected by:\u003c\/strong\u003e H. d’Abbadie d’Arrast\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOriginal Story:\u003c\/strong\u003e H. d’Abbadie d’Arrast and Douglas Doty\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDialogue:\u003c\/strong\u003e Donald Ogden Stewart\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDirector of Photography:\u003c\/strong\u003e George Folsey\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFilm Editing:\u003c\/strong\u003e Helene Turner\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eRecording Engineer:\u003c\/strong\u003e Ernest F. Zatorsky\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eProduction Company:\u003c\/strong\u003e Paramount Publix Corporation\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOriginal Distributor:\u003c\/strong\u003e Paramount Publix Corporation\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eAFI credits H. d’Abbadie d’Arrast and Douglas Doty with the story, Donald Ogden Stewart with dialogue, George Folsey with photography and Helene Turner with editing.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003chr\u003e\u003ch1\u003eFILM INFORMATION\u003c\/h1\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTitle:\u003c\/strong\u003e Laughter\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eYear:\u003c\/strong\u003e 1930\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eRelease Date:\u003c\/strong\u003e September 25, 1930\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eGenre:\u003c\/strong\u003e Comedy-Drama \/ Romance \/ Pre-Code\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCountry:\u003c\/strong\u003e United States\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLanguage:\u003c\/strong\u003e English\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePicture:\u003c\/strong\u003e Black \u0026amp; White\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSound:\u003c\/strong\u003e Movietone\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eApproximate Running Time:\u003c\/strong\u003e 85 Minutes\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOriginal Length:\u003c\/strong\u003e 8 Reels\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOriginal Film Length:\u003c\/strong\u003e Approximately 7,134 Feet\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eAFI records \u003cem\u003eLaughter\u003c\/em\u003e as an American English-language, black-and-white Movietone production released on \u003cstrong\u003eSeptember 25, 1930\u003c\/strong\u003e, with an 85-minute running time.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003chr\u003e\u003ch1\u003eALTERNATIVE NAME \u0026amp; FILM CURIOSITIES\u003c\/h1\u003e\u003ch2\u003eAN INTERNATIONAL LIFE AFTER \u003cem\u003eLAUGHTER\u003c\/em\u003e\n\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eRather than disappearing after its American release, the story behind \u003cem\u003eLaughter\u003c\/em\u003e proved attractive enough to be adapted into \u003cstrong\u003eSpanish, French and German-language versions in 1931\u003c\/strong\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eAFI identifies the Spanish-language production \u003cstrong\u003eLo mejor es reír\u003c\/strong\u003e among the foreign-language versions produced at Paramount's Joinville studios in France.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThis multilingual production history makes \u003cem\u003eLaughter\u003c\/em\u003e an interesting example of the unusual methods Hollywood studios used during the early sound era.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eBefore dubbing became commonplace, studios sometimes produced entirely separate versions of successful films in other languages, often using different casts.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003chr\u003e\u003ch2\u003eAN ACADEMY AWARD-NOMINATED STORY\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eLaughter\u003c\/em\u003e was not simply another routine romantic comedy.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe original story by \u003cstrong\u003eH. d’Abbadie d’Arrast and Douglas Doty\u003c\/strong\u003e, with Donald Ogden Stewart, received an \u003cstrong\u003eAcademy Award nomination for Best Writing, Original Story\u003c\/strong\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThat nomination helps demonstrate how highly the sophisticated mixture of comedy, romance and serious drama was regarded at the time.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003chr\u003e\u003ch2\u003ePRAISED FOR ITS SOPHISTICATION\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eContemporary reception was enthusiastic.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eAFI notes that \u003cem\u003eVariety\u003c\/em\u003e gave the picture a particularly strong review in October 1930, praising its sophistication and entertainment value.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eToday, the movie provides collectors with a glimpse of a style of adult romantic comedy that flourished before stricter enforcement of the Hollywood Production Code later in the decade.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003chr\u003e\u003ch2\u003eA SURVIVING PRINT IS PRESERVED\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eUnlike many early sound motion pictures that disappeared completely, \u003cstrong\u003eLaughter survives\u003c\/strong\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eAFI reports that a print is held by the \u003cstrong\u003eMuseum of Modern Art archive\u003c\/strong\u003e, an encouraging fact for film preservationists and collectors interested in early talking pictures.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe survival of films like \u003cem\u003eLaughter\u003c\/em\u003e is especially significant because large numbers of pictures made during the transition from silent cinema to sound are incomplete, difficult to access or entirely lost.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003chr\u003e\u003ch2\u003eFREDRIC MARCH BEFORE HIS GREATEST FAME\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eLaughter\u003c\/em\u003e captures \u003cstrong\u003eFredric March\u003c\/strong\u003e relatively early in his remarkable career.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eHere he plays pianist Paul Lockridge, offering Peggy the spontaneity and emotional freedom missing from her wealthy marriage.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eMarch would soon become one of Hollywood's most respected leading men, making this film particularly appealing to collectors interested in his early screen work.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003chr\u003e\u003ch2\u003eFRANK MORGAN BEFORE \u003cem\u003eTHE WIZARD OF OZ\u003c\/em\u003e\n\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eClassic-film audiences know \u003cstrong\u003eFrank Morgan\u003c\/strong\u003e best for his unforgettable later performance as the title character in \u003cstrong\u003eThe Wizard of Oz\u003c\/strong\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eNearly a decade earlier, however, Morgan was already an established and versatile actor.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eIn \u003cem\u003eLaughter\u003c\/em\u003e, he plays wealthy stockbroker Mortimer Gibson, whose ability to provide Peggy with material comfort cannot necessarily provide the emotional happiness she needs.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eSeeing Morgan in an early sophisticated drama is one of the pleasures of rediscovering this rarely encountered picture.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003chr\u003e\u003ch2\u003eA FILM ABOUT MONEY VERSUS HAPPINESS\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe title \u003cstrong\u003eLaughter\u003c\/strong\u003e is more meaningful than it may initially appear.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe picture contrasts Peggy's wealthy but emotionally restrained married life with Paul's freer existence built around music, spontaneity and enjoyment.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eIts central question remains surprisingly relatable:\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch3\u003eIs financial security worth having if you've forgotten how to enjoy life?\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cp\u003eThat tension gives \u003cem\u003eLaughter\u003c\/em\u003e an emotional depth beyond the ordinary romantic comedy.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003chr\u003e\u003ch1\u003ePRE-CODE HOLLYWOOD\u003c\/h1\u003e\u003cp\u003eReleased in \u003cstrong\u003e1930\u003c\/strong\u003e, \u003cem\u003eLaughter\u003c\/em\u003e arrived during the fascinating period now known as \u003cstrong\u003ePre-Code Hollywood\u003c\/strong\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eAlthough Hollywood had adopted a production code, strict enforcement was still several years away.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eFilms from this period frequently dealt more openly with adult relationships, unhappy marriages, sexual attraction, divorce, infidelity, crime and other subjects that became more restricted after enforcement tightened in 1934.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eLaughter\u003c\/em\u003e reflects that sophisticated adult approach.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eIts characters are imperfect.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eMarriage does not automatically equal happiness.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eMoney does not automatically equal success.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eRomantic attraction is complicated.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eAnd the story is willing to move from comedy into genuinely dark emotional territory.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eFor collectors fascinated by the unusual freedom of early 1930s American cinema, \u003cstrong\u003eLaughter is an excellent example of the period.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003chr\u003e\u003ch1\u003ePREMIUM COLLECTOR DVD EDITION\u003c\/h1\u003e\u003cp\u003eThis edition is prepared especially for collectors of \u003cstrong\u003erare, obscure and difficult-to-find classic motion pictures\u003c\/strong\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThis is \u003cstrong\u003enot simply a loose disc placed into a paper sleeve\u003c\/strong\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eOur classic-film releases are prepared as \u003cstrong\u003epremium manufactured DVD sets\u003c\/strong\u003e with custom presentation materials designed specifically for collectors who still appreciate physical media.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eYOUR PREMIUM COLLECTOR DVD SET INCLUDES\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLaughter (1930)\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cp\u003ePremium manufactured \u003cstrong\u003eDVD-R\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cp\u003eFull-size protective DVD case\u003c\/p\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cp\u003eProfessionally designed \u003cstrong\u003ecustom front cover artwork\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cp\u003eCustom-designed spine artwork\u003c\/p\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cp\u003eCustom-designed back cover artwork\u003c\/p\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cp\u003ePrinted custom disc artwork\u003c\/p\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBonus printed collector insert\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cp\u003eCarefully prepared collector presentation\u003c\/p\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cp\u003eSecure protective packaging for shipment\u003c\/p\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003cp\u003eOur goal is to give rare and forgotten motion pictures a physical presentation worthy of a classic-film collection.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003chr\u003e\u003ch1\u003eNOT JUST A LOOSE DISC\u003c\/h1\u003e\u003cp\u003eCollectors of vintage cinema know that presentation matters.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThat is why this edition includes a \u003cstrong\u003efull-size protective case, custom front\/spine\/back artwork, printed disc artwork and bonus collector insert\u003c\/strong\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe result is a physical collector edition that can be placed on the shelf alongside the rest of your classic-film library.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003chr\u003e\u003ch1\u003eTHIS IS A PHYSICAL PRODUCT\u003c\/h1\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eYou are purchasing a physical DVD that will be shipped directly to you.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThis product is \u003cstrong\u003enot a streaming purchase, digital download or electronically delivered video file\u003c\/strong\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eYour order includes the physical disc, protective DVD case, custom artwork and bonus printed collector insert.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003chr\u003e\u003ch1\u003eDVD SPECIFICATIONS\u003c\/h1\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTitle:\u003c\/strong\u003e Laughter\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eYear:\u003c\/strong\u003e 1930\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMedia Format:\u003c\/strong\u003e DVD-R\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDisc Type:\u003c\/strong\u003e Premium Manufactured DVD-R\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eRegion:\u003c\/strong\u003e ALL REGION\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eNumber of Discs:\u003c\/strong\u003e 1\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eVideo:\u003c\/strong\u003e Black \u0026amp; White\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAspect Ratio:\u003c\/strong\u003e Approximately 1.20:1 early sound-era presentation; exact framing may vary depending upon surviving source material\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLanguage:\u003c\/strong\u003e English\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAudio:\u003c\/strong\u003e English\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSound Presentation:\u003c\/strong\u003e Mono\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOriginal Sound Process:\u003c\/strong\u003e Movietone\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eRunning Time:\u003c\/strong\u003e Approximately 85 Minutes\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCountry of Origin:\u003c\/strong\u003e United States\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eGenre:\u003c\/strong\u003e Comedy-Drama \/ Romance \/ Pre-Code\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOriginal Film Length:\u003c\/strong\u003e 8 Reels\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePackaging:\u003c\/strong\u003e Full-Size Protective DVD Case\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eArtwork:\u003c\/strong\u003e Custom Front \/ Spine \/ Back Cover Artwork\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDisc Artwork:\u003c\/strong\u003e Custom Printed Disc Design\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBonus:\u003c\/strong\u003e Printed Collector Insert\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMedia Type:\u003c\/strong\u003e Physical DVD\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eAFI confirms that the original production was \u003cstrong\u003eblack and white, with Movietone sound, an 85-minute running time and eight-reel length\u003c\/strong\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003chr\u003e\u003ch1\u003ePLEASE NOTE — VINTAGE FILM QUALITY\u003c\/h1\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLaughter was produced in 1930 and is now more than 95 years old.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eCollectors purchasing rare motion pictures from this period should understand that surviving source material can vary significantly in condition.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eUnlike heavily restored major studio classics, obscure films may survive through older archival, theatrical or collector elements.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eDepending upon the surviving source material, viewers may occasionally notice:\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cp\u003eFilm grain\u003c\/p\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cp\u003eLight scratches\u003c\/p\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cp\u003eDust or print marks\u003c\/p\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cp\u003eContrast fluctuations\u003c\/p\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cp\u003eBrightness variations\u003c\/p\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cp\u003eOccasional soft-focus imagery\u003c\/p\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cp\u003eAudio hiss\u003c\/p\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cp\u003eVolume fluctuations\u003c\/p\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cp\u003eMinor film splices\u003c\/p\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cp\u003eMissing or damaged frames\u003c\/p\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cp\u003eSigns of duplication from older film elements\u003c\/p\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cp\u003eOther imperfections associated with vintage source material\u003c\/p\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003cp\u003eThese characteristics may originate with the surviving film source and \u003cstrong\u003edo not necessarily indicate a defect in the DVD itself\u003c\/strong\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eOur goal is to provide collectors with the \u003cstrong\u003ebest available presentation reasonably accessible from surviving source material\u003c\/strong\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eRare films approaching a century in age cannot always be expected to resemble a modern studio restoration.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eFor many classic-film collectors, the opportunity to watch and preserve access to forgotten cinema is precisely what makes these titles special.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003chr\u003e\u003ch1\u003eWHY ADD \u003cem\u003eLAUGHTER\u003c\/em\u003e TO YOUR COLLECTION?\u003c\/h1\u003e\u003cp\u003eIf your shelves already contain the famous classics that have been released dozens of times, \u003cem\u003eLaughter\u003c\/em\u003e offers an opportunity to explore something deeper within Hollywood history.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThis film combines:\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eNancy Carroll in a major starring role\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cp\u003eA young \u003cstrong\u003eFredric March\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cp\u003eEarly \u003cstrong\u003eFrank Morgan\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cp\u003eSophisticated Pre-Code themes\u003c\/p\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cp\u003eRomantic comedy\u003c\/p\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cp\u003eSerious adult drama\u003c\/p\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cp\u003eArt and music\u003c\/p\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cp\u003eWealth versus happiness\u003c\/p\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cp\u003eEarly synchronized sound filmmaking\u003c\/p\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cp\u003eAcademy Award-nominated writing\u003c\/p\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cp\u003eA rarely seen Paramount production\u003c\/p\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cp\u003eInternational remake history\u003c\/p\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003cp\u003eIt is especially recommended for collectors interested in:\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePre-Code Hollywood\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cp\u003eNancy Carroll\u003c\/p\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cp\u003eFredric March\u003c\/p\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cp\u003eFrank Morgan\u003c\/p\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cp\u003e1930 Motion Pictures\u003c\/p\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cp\u003eSophisticated Comedy\u003c\/p\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cp\u003eEarly Talking Pictures\u003c\/p\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cp\u003eForgotten Hollywood\u003c\/p\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cp\u003eEarly Paramount Films\u003c\/p\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cp\u003eRomantic Comedy-Drama\u003c\/p\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cp\u003eRare Golden Age Films\u003c\/p\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cp\u003eAcademy Award History\u003c\/p\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cp\u003eVintage New York Stories\u003c\/p\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cp\u003eEarly Sound Cinema\u003c\/p\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cp\u003eHard-to-Find Classic Movies\u003c\/p\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003chr\u003e\u003ch1\u003eNANCY CARROLL — A FORGOTTEN HOLLYWOOD STAR\u003c\/h1\u003e\u003cp\u003eOne of the pleasures of collecting rare cinema is rediscovering performers who were major attractions during their own era but are less familiar to modern audiences.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eNancy Carroll\u003c\/strong\u003e was an important screen personality during the transition from silent films to talking pictures.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eIn \u003cem\u003eLaughter\u003c\/em\u003e, she receives a sophisticated role that allows her to move between comedy, romance and serious drama.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eRather than portraying Peggy as simply a woman tempted by another man, the film gives her a deeper dilemma.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eShe has achieved the wealthy life she once wanted.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe problem is that achieving it did not make her happy.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThat emotional conflict gives Carroll an unusually rich role and helps explain why \u003cem\u003eLaughter\u003c\/em\u003e remains so interesting to Pre-Code enthusiasts.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003chr\u003e\u003ch1\u003eFREDRIC MARCH — THE ROMANTIC ALTERNATIVE\u003c\/h1\u003e\u003cp\u003eAs \u003cstrong\u003ePaul Lockridge\u003c\/strong\u003e, Fredric March represents the world Peggy left behind.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eHe is a pianist.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eHe has returned from Paris.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eHe brings music, spontaneity and humor into Peggy's rigid upper-class environment.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eWhere Mortimer Gibson offers financial security, Paul offers something far less tangible:\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch3\u003eA reason to laugh again.\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe contrast between these two worlds drives the film and provides much of its sophisticated romantic tension.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003chr\u003e\u003ch1\u003eFRANK MORGAN — YEARS BEFORE OZ\u003c\/h1\u003e\u003cp\u003eFrank Morgan's performance adds another layer of interest for classic-film collectors.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eModern audiences most readily associate Morgan with the beloved fantasy \u003cstrong\u003eThe Wizard of Oz\u003c\/strong\u003e, but his career stretched across decades and included comedy, drama and sophisticated character roles.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eSeeing him in \u003cstrong\u003e1930\u003c\/strong\u003e, almost nine years before \u003cem\u003eThe Wizard of Oz\u003c\/em\u003e, gives collectors an excellent opportunity to explore an earlier stage of his screen career.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003chr\u003e\u003ch1\u003eA DARKER SIDE BENEATH THE COMEDY\u003c\/h1\u003e\u003cp\u003eDespite the film's title, \u003cem\u003eLaughter\u003c\/em\u003e is not simply a string of jokes.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe story becomes unexpectedly serious through the character of sculptor \u003cstrong\u003eRalph Le Saint\u003c\/strong\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eRalph's romantic obsession, bitterness and eventual tragedy bring a darker emotional dimension to the picture.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThat willingness to move freely between witty sophistication and uncomfortable adult drama is one of the qualities that makes early Pre-Code cinema so fascinating.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eAFI's synopsis confirms that Ralph's story culminates tragically and becomes a major turning point in Peggy's realization that her wealthy marriage has left her deeply unhappy.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003chr\u003e\u003ch1\u003eACADEMY AWARD HISTORY\u003c\/h1\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe film's sophisticated storytelling did not go unnoticed.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eH. d’Abbadie d’Arrast, Douglas Doty and Donald Ogden Stewart were nominated for an Academy Award in the Best Writing, Original Story category for \u003cem\u003eLaughter\u003c\/em\u003e.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThat nomination gives this obscure film an important place in early Academy Awards history.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eFor collectors building libraries around \u003cstrong\u003eOscar-nominated films, early talkies or overlooked Hollywood productions\u003c\/strong\u003e, this is another reason \u003cem\u003eLaughter\u003c\/em\u003e deserves attention.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003chr\u003e\u003ch1\u003ePUBLIC DOMAIN STATUS\u003c\/h1\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLaughter was released in the United States in 1930.\u003c\/strong\u003e AFI records the theatrical release date as September 25, 1930 and a copyright registration dated October 24, 1930.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eWorks published in \u003cstrong\u003e1930 entered the United States public domain on January 1, 2026\u003c\/strong\u003e, following completion of the applicable 95-year copyright term. Duke Law's Center for the Study of the Public Domain confirms that works from 1930 became open to the public in the United States on that date.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003ePUBLIC DOMAIN STATEMENT\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAll films included in this collection have been thoroughly researched and verified as public domain under applicable United States copyright law. \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003ePublic-domain rules may differ outside the United States.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003chr\u003e\u003ch1\u003eSHIPPING INFORMATION\u003c\/h1\u003e\u003ch2\u003ePLEASE ALLOW APPROXIMATELY 7–10 DAYS FOR YOUR ORDER TO SHIP.\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eOur collector DVDs are prepared with attention to presentation and include \u003cstrong\u003ecustom cover artwork, custom printed disc presentation and a bonus collector insert\u003c\/strong\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eBecause these are prepared as premium physical collector products rather than simply shipping a loose disc, please allow approximately \u003cstrong\u003e7 to 10 days for your order to ship\u003c\/strong\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eYour order will be carefully packaged to help protect the:\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cp\u003eDVD\u003c\/p\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cp\u003eProtective case\u003c\/p\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cp\u003eCustom cover artwork\u003c\/p\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cp\u003ePrinted disc\u003c\/p\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cp\u003eBonus collector insert\u003c\/p\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003cp\u003eWe appreciate your patience while your collector edition is prepared.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003chr\u003e\u003ch1\u003eCUSTOMER SERVICE\u003c\/h1\u003e\u003ch2\u003eQUESTIONS OR CONCERNS? PLEASE MESSAGE US.\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eCustomer satisfaction is extremely important to us.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eIf you have \u003cstrong\u003eany question, problem or concern regarding your order, please send us a message through the marketplace messaging system\u003c\/strong\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eWe work through customer concerns and make every reasonable effort to \u003cstrong\u003eaddress questions and problems in a timely manner\u003c\/strong\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eIf something is not right with your order, please contact us and give us the opportunity to help.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eWe believe in working directly with our customers and making a reasonable effort to reach a satisfactory resolution when concerns arise.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003chr\u003e\u003ch1\u003eSEARCHING FOR A RARE MOVIE?\u003c\/h1\u003e\u003ch2\u003eCUSTOM ORDERS \u0026amp; RARE MEDIA SEARCH\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eCan't find that forgotten movie you've been searching for?\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eLooking for a film that has never received a major commercial DVD release?\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eSearching for an obscure television program that seems to have disappeared?\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch3\u003eMESSAGE US WITH THE TITLE.\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cp\u003eWe specialize in \u003cstrong\u003ecustom orders and rare-media searches\u003c\/strong\u003e for collectors seeking unusual, obscure and difficult-to-find vintage entertainment.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eOur collecting specialties include:\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cp\u003eRare Classic Movies\u003c\/p\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cp\u003ePre-Code Films\u003c\/p\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cp\u003eSilent Cinema\u003c\/p\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cp\u003eEarly Talking Pictures\u003c\/p\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cp\u003eForgotten Hollywood Features\u003c\/p\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cp\u003eRare Romantic Dramas\u003c\/p\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cp\u003eClassic Crime \u0026amp; Mystery\u003c\/p\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cp\u003eVintage Horror\u003c\/p\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cp\u003eWesterns\u003c\/p\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cp\u003eMusicals\u003c\/p\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cp\u003eAdventure Films\u003c\/p\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cp\u003eMovie Serials\u003c\/p\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cp\u003eRare Television Programs\u003c\/p\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cp\u003eLost \u0026amp; Rare Television Episodes\u003c\/p\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cp\u003eObscure B-Movies\u003c\/p\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cp\u003eHard-to-Find Public Domain Media\u003c\/p\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003cp\u003eIf you have been searching for something unusual, \u003cstrong\u003esend us a message with the title and any information you have\u003c\/strong\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eRare and forgotten media is our specialty, and we enjoy helping collectors search for films and television programs that have disappeared from ordinary commercial distribution.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003chr\u003e\u003ch1\u003eREDISCOVER ONE OF PRE-CODE HOLLYWOOD’S FORGOTTEN GEMS\u003c\/h1\u003e\u003ch2\u003eLAUGHTER (1930)\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eNancy Carroll • Fredric March • Frank Morgan • Glenn Anders • Diane Ellis\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eA former Follies beauty.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eA wealthy husband.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eA pianist returning from Paris.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eA troubled sculptor.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eA life filled with money—but missing happiness.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLaughter (1930)\u003c\/strong\u003e is sophisticated, romantic, funny, dramatic and unmistakably Pre-Code.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eFeaturing three major Hollywood personalities in \u003cstrong\u003eNancy Carroll, Fredric March and Frank Morgan\u003c\/strong\u003e, along with Academy Award-nominated writing and a surprisingly mature story about the choices people make in pursuit of security and happiness, this rarely encountered picture deserves a place in any serious collection of early sound cinema.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eAdd \u003cstrong\u003eLaughter (1930)\u003c\/strong\u003e to your classic-film library and rediscover another fascinating piece of forgotten Hollywood history.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch3\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eRare films deserve to be seen again.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e","brand":"SilverScreen Shop Media Co.","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46837289844933,"sku":null,"price":29.03,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0762\/5375\/7637\/files\/57_9635c24c-6a39-4c1e-895f-9dd680260fa7.jpg?v=1788195616","url":"https:\/\/pasttimetv.com\/products\/laughter-1930-dvd-nancy-carroll-fredric-march-frank-morgan-rare-pre-code-comedy","provider":"SilverScreen Shop Media Co.","version":"1.0","type":"link"}