Stage Door (1937)

A boardinghouse full of aspiring actresses and their ambitions, dreams and disappointments.

Director:

Gregory La Cava

Writers:

Morrie Ryskind (screen play), Anthony Veiller (screen play),

Stars:

Katharine Hepburn, Ginger Rogers, Adolphe Menjou

Nominated for 4 Oscars. Another 2 wins.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Katharine Hepburn	...	Terry Randall
Ginger Rogers	...	Jean Maitland
Adolphe Menjou	...	Anthony Powell
Gail Patrick	...	Linda Shaw
Constance Collier	...	Miss Luther
Andrea Leeds	...	Kay Hamilton
Samuel S. Hinds	...	Henry Sims
Lucille Ball	...	Judith
Franklin Pangborn	...	Harcourt
William Corson	...	Bill
Pierre Watkin	...	Carmichael
Grady Sutton	...	Butch
Frank Reicher	...	Stage Director
Jack Carson	...	Mr. Milbanks
Phyllis Kennedy	...	Hattie

Storyline

Terry Randall, rich society beauty, has decided to see if she can break into the Broadway theatre scene without her family connections. She goes to live in a theatrical boarding house and finds her life caught up with those of the other inmates and the ever-present disappointment that theatrical hopefuls must live with. Her smart-mouth roommate, Jean, is approached by a powerful producer for more than just a role. And Terry's father has decided to give her career the shove by backing a production for her to star in, in which she's sure to flop. But his machinations hurt more than just Terry.

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Plot Keywords:

producer | roommate | ambition | nylons | stage play | 

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Taglines:

The gaiety...glamour...foolishness and fun of showbusiness...played on the Great White Way

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Genres:

Comedy | Drama

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Certificate:

Approved

Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

8 October 1937 (USA)

Also Known As:

Pension d'artistes

Box Office

Budget:

$952,000 (estimated)

Company Credits

Production Co:

RKO Radio Pictures

Technical Specs

Runtime:

92 min 83 min (TV)

Sound Mix:

Mono (RCA Victor System)

Color:

Black and White

Aspect Ratio:

1.37 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

Katharine Hepburn's box office power had been declining and was given a smaller part than she was accustomed, and initially she was to receive second billing under Ginger Rogers. Hepburn protested to RKO producer Pandro S. Berman, who told Hepburn "she was lucky to have the 7th role in a star picture". Hepburn persisted and was given more scenes as filming progressed, and she and Ginger Rogers eventually shared side-by-side top billing.

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Goofs

In the scene between Terry and Tony Powell, where there is discussion about being 'framed', Powell is initially opposite Terry across the shelf with the photos, whereas in the next shot he has moved to being at right angles to her on her left side.

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Quotes

Jean Maitland: Hey, you're not gonna catch the opening tonight, huh?
Eve: No, I'm going tomorrow and catch the closing.

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Connections

Referenced in I Love Lucy: Lucy's Italian Movie (1956)

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Soundtracks

"Bridal Chorus (Here Comes the Bride)"
(1850) (uncredited)
from "Lohengrin"
Written by Richard Wagner
Sung by the women as Judith leaves to get married

User Reviews

Just great

Superb comedy/drama about a theatrical boarding house and its tenants (all women) focusing primarily on Katherine Hepburn and Ginger Rogers. A once in a lifetime cast, all of them in top form. The movie moves VERY quickly with non-stop wisecracks flying across the screen and a very depressing turn at the end. Also, there's no sappy romance subplot - very unusual for a 1930s film. The interplay between Rogers and Hepburn is incredible--they're both holding their own against each other. Nominated for 7 Academy Awards (including Best Picture and Best Supporting Actress--Andrea Leeds). A must-see. "The calla lillies are in bloom..."