Silver Dollar (film)
Silver Dollar is a 1932 American pre-Code historical drama film directed by Alfred E. Green and starring Edward G. Robinson, Bebe Daniels, and Aline MacMahon. The film is a fictionalized account of the life of Horace Tabor, a silver mining magnate in 19th-century Colorado.
The film follows Tabor's transformation from a struggling farmer to a wealthy and influential figure after striking silver. It portrays his success, his extravagant lifestyle, his romantic entanglements, and ultimately, his financial downfall when the price of silver collapses. The narrative focuses on Tabor's ambition, his complicated relationships with his wife Augusta and his mistress Baby Doe, and his involvement in politics.
While Silver Dollar takes historical inspiration from Horace Tabor's life, it takes significant liberties with factual details for dramatic effect. The film was released during the Great Depression and offers a cautionary tale about wealth and the perils of speculation. It received mixed reviews upon its release, but remains a notable example of early Hollywood historical drama.