The Way of All Flesh
Synopsis
The story takes place in Milwaukee during the early 1900s with a bank clerk named August Schiller who is happy with both his job and his family. He is tasked with transporting $1,000 in securities to Chicago. On the train he meets a blond seductress who convinces him to buy her a bottle of champagne, and takes him to a saloon. The next morning he awakes alone in a dilapidated bedroom and without the securities.
Top Cast
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Release History & Theatrical Window
New York City
Festival / Special Debut
October 1, 1927
Wide Cinema Exhibition
Key Information & Fast Facts
- Director
- Victor Fleming
- Screenplay & Story
- Perley Poore Sheehan, Lajos Biró, Jules Furthman
- Original Title
- The Way of All Flesh
- Country of Origin
- United States of America
- Spoken Languages
- No Language
- Runtime
- 1h 34m
- Production Studios
- Paramount Pictures
Creative Leadership & Key Crew
Victor Fleming
Perley Poore Sheehan, Lajos Biró, Jules Furthman
Victor Milner
Department Leadership Roster
Victor Fleming
Director
Victor Milner
Director of Photography
Jules Furthman
Writer
Lajos Biró
Writer
Production Stills & Gallery
Official cinematic photography and background stills for The Way of All Flesh.
Featured In Curated Collections
Editorial lists, community rankings, and cinematic collections featuring The Way of All Flesh.
Movies - Live Action
Academy Awards - Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role Winners 1929-2025
Academy Awards winners archive (Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role Winners 1929-2025)
Academy Awards: Winners
Best Actor
Best Actor (updated 8/6/26)
Oscar Best Actor Nominees
Complete list of Oscar Best Actor Nominees
Oscars 1929
Nominees and selected films for the 1st Academy Awards (ceremony year 1929).
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Frequently Asked Questions About The Way of All Flesh
Quick factual answers about cast, synopsis, director, box office, and release information.
What is The Way of All Flesh about?
The story takes place in Milwaukee during the early 1900s with a bank clerk named August Schiller who is happy with both his job and his family. He is tasked with transporting $1,000 in securities to Chicago. On the train he meets a blond seductress who convinces him to buy her a bottle of champagne, and takes him to a saloon. The next morning he awakes alone in a dilapidated bedroom and without the securities.
Who directed The Way of All Flesh?
The Way of All Flesh was directed by Victor Fleming.
Who stars in The Way of All Flesh?
The principal cast of The Way of All Flesh includes Emil Jannings, Belle Bennett, Donald Keith, Phyllis Haver, Fred Kohler.
When was The Way of All Flesh released and how long is it?
The Way of All Flesh was released in 1927 with a total runtime of 1h 34m.