Conversation so far:
Did James Whale work in theatre?
Under the tutelage of actor-manager Nigel Playfair, James Whale worked as an actor, set designer and builder, stage director and director.
What was one of James Whale's first plays?
In 1928 James Whale was offered the opportunity to direct R. C. Sherriff's then-unknown play Journey's End for the Incorporated Stage Society.
What was one of the plays James Whale worked on that was a huge hit?
Journey's End with James Whale was a tremendous success, with critics uniform and effusive in their praise.
What year was the play Journey's End a success?
Journey's End was well received and transferred to the Savoy Theatre in London's West End, opening on 21 January 1929.
Did James Whale have any other plays that were worth naming besides Journey's End?
No other plays James Whales did was at noteworthy as Journey's End.
When did James Whale start doing music?
James Whale didn't do any music outside of his musical film, Show Boat in 1936.
Did James Whale make any other big moves for his career besides working on Journey's End?
In 1931, James Whale was offered his choice of any property the studio owned. He chose Frankenstein, mostly because none of Universal's other properties particularly interested him.
What year did James Whale's Frankenstein come out to the public eye?
Previews were held 29 October, with wide release on 21 November. Frankenstein was an instant hit with critics and the public.

Question: When was the next year something big happened to help his career?
Self-contained rewrite: When was the next year something big happened to help James Whale's career after Frankenstein?