Union Depot (1932): cast, story & where to watch

Released in 1932, Union Depot is a comedy, drama and romance film directed by Alfred E. Green, running about 67 minutes. “A Lifetime Crowded Into a Few Mad Hours! A Picture Shockingly Real—Lifting You Out of the Humdrum Routine, Pluning You Wildly Into Life's Melodrama!” — that tagline sets the tone.

What it’s about. Among the travelers of varied backgrounds that meet and interact on one night at Union Depot, a metropolitan train station, are Chick and his friend Scrap Iron, both newly released from prison after serving time for vagrancy. Hungry and desperate for a break, Chick fortuitously comes across across a valise abandoned by a drunken traveler. In it he finds a shaving kit and a suit of clothes with a bankroll, which help transform the affable tramp into a dashing gent. After buying himself a meal, Chick seeks some female companionship among the many hustlers who walk the station. He propositions Ruth Collins, a stranded, out-of-work showgirl and takes her to the station's hotel.

Who’s in it. Union Depot stars Douglas Fairbanks Jr. as Charles 'Chick' Miller, Joan Blondell as Ruth Collins, Guy Kibbee as Scrap Iron Scratch and Alan Hale as The Baron, aka Bushy Sloan, among others.

How it landed. With an audience score of 6.5/10, Union Depot has drawn a solid, mixed-to-positive response.

Where to watch. Streaming options change often. See the full, country-by-country breakdown on our where to watch Union Depot page.

If you liked it. Fans of Union Depot tend to enjoy Forrest Gump, Parasite, Life Is Beautiful and Fight Club.