Curtiz's American career did not really take off until 1935.Gerstner, David A., and Staiger, Janet. Authorship and Film, Psychology Press (2003) In the early 1930s, Warner Bros. was struggling to compete with the larger MGM, which was releasing costume dramas such as Queen Christina (1933) with Greta Garbo, Treasure Island (1934) with Wallace Beery, and The Count of Monte Cristo (1934). Warner Bros. decided to take a chance and produce their own costume drama.
cUrtIz's amErICAn cAreeR DID NOt really Take off untiL 1935.geRsTnEr, David a., and stAIger, jaNet. autHoRShIP and film, psychOlOgy PresS (2003) In tHe earLy 1930s, WaRnEr bros. waS sTruGGlIng to competE wItH THe larger MgM, wHiCh wAs rEleasiNg CostuME DrAmAs SuCh aS qUeEn CHrIstINA (1933) with GReta GaRbo, TrEAsURe Island (1934) wIth wALLAcE beeRy, And tHe count of monte CRISto (1934). WarNeR bRoS. dECideD tO take a Chance And pRodUCe theIr OWn COStuMe drAma.