42nd Street (1933)

A producer puts on what may be his last Broadway show, and at the last moment a chorus girl has to replace the star...

Director:

Lloyd Bacon

Writers:

Rian James (screenplay), James Seymour (screenplay),

Stars:

Warner Baxter, Bebe Daniels, George Brent

Nominated for 2 Oscars. Another 1 win.

Cast

Complete credited cast:
Warner Baxter	...	Julian Marsh
Bebe Daniels	...	Dorothy Brock
George Brent	...	Pat Denning
Ruby Keeler	...	Peggy Sawyer
Guy Kibbee	...	Abner Dillon
Una Merkel	...	Lorraine Fleming
Ginger Rogers	...	Ann 'Anytime Annie' Lowell
Ned Sparks	...	Barry
Dick Powell	...	Billy Lawler
Allen Jenkins	...	Mac Elroy
Edward J. Nugent	...	Terry
Robert McWade	...	Jones
George E. Stone	...	Andy Lee

Storyline

Julian Marsh (Warner Baxter), a successful Broadway director, produces a new show, in spite of his poor health. The money comes from a rich older man, who is in love with the star of the show, Dorothy Brock. But Dorothy (Bebe Daniels) doesn't respond to his love, because she's still in love with her old partner. On the night before the premiere, Dorothy breaks her ankle, and Peggy Sawyer (Ruby Keeler), one of the chorus girls, tries to take over Dorothy's part.

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Plot Keywords:

chorus girl | director | song | actress | cameos | 

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Genres:

Comedy | Musical | Romance

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Certificate:

TV-G

Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

11 March 1933 (USA)

Also Known As:

Rua 42

Filming Locations:

Stage 11, Warner Brothers Burbank Studios - 4000 Warner Boulevard, Burbank, California, USA

Box Office

Budget:

$439,000 (estimated)

Gross:

$2,300,000 (USA)

Company Credits

Production Co:

Warner Bros

Technical Specs

Runtime:

89 min

Sound Mix:

Mono

Color:

Black and White

Aspect Ratio:

1.37 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

As a publicity stunt, a train called 'The 42nd Street Special' traveled from Hollywood to New York City arriving in time for the opening at the Strand theater on 8 March 1933. On the train were Warner contract players who were called to the stage after the movie was shown (according to the review in The New York Times). Included were Joe E. Brown, Tom Mix and his horse, Bette Davis, Laura La Plante, Glenda Farrell, Lyle Talbot, Leo Carrillo, Claire Dodd, Preston Foster and Eleanor Holm.

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Goofs

While in Philadelphia, Julian's position relative to the girls changes as he dismisses them for the night.

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Quotes

Billy Lawler: [to Peggy Sawyer] Hey, I've been for you ever since you walked in on me in my BVD's.

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Connections

Featured in Film Noir: Bringing Darkness to Light (2006)

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Soundtracks

"Forty-Second Street"
(1932) (uncredited)
Lyrics by Al Dubin
Music by Harry Warren
Played during the opening credits and often in the score
Sung and Danced by Ruby Keeler
Sung by Dick Powell and chorus girls

User Reviews

enchanting

I have heard lots of criticism of Ruby Keeler in this movie. Of her dancing--"She makes it look like such hard work!" But I thought she was just great, innocent and adorable.

I definitely would have liked to see either more musical numbers, or the existing ones spread out more.

I also must say that I think the songs and vocalists from this movie are far superior to those in any recordings of the Broadway show I've found. Their sound is much more authentic of the time period, and the broadway voices really ruin the aura of the film.

Overall, though, this movie is great--wonderful songs, dances and acting. The dialogue is fast-paced, witty, and cynical (really gives the outlook of the culture during this depression time).