Show Girl in Hollywood (1930)

User Rating:

7.8/10   

Director:

Mervyn LeRoy

Writers:

J.P. McEvoy (novel)
Harvey F. Thew (adaptation)

Release Date:

20 April 1930 (USA)

Genre:

Comedy | Musical | Drama

Plot:

'Rainbow Girl' has just opened and closed on Broadway when Dixie runs into smooth talking Hollywood Director Frank Buelow...

Plot Keywords:

Hollywood | Director | Suicide Attempt | Broadway New York City | Courtship

Cast

Alice White	...	Dixie Dugan
Jack Mulhall	...	Jimmy Doyle
Blanche Sweet	...	Donny Harris, aka Mrs. Buelow
Ford Sterling	...	Sam Otis, Film Producer
John Miljan	...	Frank Buelow, a Director
Virginia Sale	...	Miss J. Rule, Otis' Secretary
Lee Shumway	...	Mr, Kramer
Herman Bing	...	Bing, Assistant Director

Runtime:

80 min

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Color:

Color (2-strip Technicolor) (last reel) | Black and White

Aspect Ratio:

1.37 : 1

Sound Mix:

Vitaphone (Western Electric Sound System)

Certification:

USA:Unrated

Filming Locations:

Warner Brothers Studios - 5800 Sunset Boulevard, Hollywood, Los Angeles, California, USA

Company:

First National Pictures

Trivia:

Cameo: [Al Jolson]At the premiere.

Movie Connections:

Alternate language version of Le masque d'Hollywood (1930)

Soundtrack:

There's a Tear for Every Smile in Hollywood

A treat!

Show Girl in Hollywood tells the story of a young girl, Dixie Dugan (Alice White), who is lured to Hollywood by the empty promises of a pompous film director (John Miljan). Her boyfriend (Jack Mulhall) is not too keen on the idea. Once there, she soon realizes who empty the director's promises were. She meets and becomes friends with Donny Harris (Blanche Sweet), a once popular film star. Dixie does get her break but ruins things by getting temperamental. In the process, she also ruins Donny's chances for a comeback, who then attempts suicide. She is saved and Dixie realizes her selfishness and convinces the studio bosses to "go on with the picture", for Donny's sake.

Oh what a treat! This movie was one of the first to attempt to show Hollywood as it really was--and it ended up being pretty true to life. Dashed hopes, lecherous directors, ex-stars brushed aside. The "behind-the-scenes" look of portions of the film gives the viewer a glimpse of film-making in the early talkie days. The "I've Got My Eye on You" production number has a catchy tune and even made me want to sing and dance myself! Alice White is good as the young, hopeful show girl of the title. Most notable is Blanche Sweet's excellent performance as the washed-up silent star. Her near-death scene is extremely moving and recalls some of Miss Sweet's own past glories. Mervyn LeRoy's direction keeps things moving along and it all comes together beautifully. Do yourself a favor and don't miss this one!