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The Duke Is Tops (1938)

APPROVED 73 min  -  Musical  -   1 September 1938 (USA)
5.2
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Ratings: 5.2/10 from 136 users  
Reviews: 10 user | 4 critic

A theatrical producer puts aside his own success to boost the career of a talented singer.

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The Duke Is Tops -- In the film debut of Lena Horne, Duke is a stage show promoter in love with the a successful performer. When he realizes that promoters want her to go to big leagues and she refuses to leave, he devises a deception so that she can better her career. The Duke Is Tops -- A theatrical producer puts aside his own success to boost the career of a talented singer.
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Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Ralph Cooper Ralph Cooper ...
Duke Davis
Lena Horne ...
Ethel Andrews
Laurence Criner Laurence Criner ...
Doc Dorando (as Lawrence Criner)
Monte Hawley Monte Hawley ...
George Marshall
Willie Covan Willie Covan ...
Specialty Tap Dancer
Neva Peoples Neva Peoples ...
Ella
Vernon McCalla Vernon McCalla ...
Mason (as Vernon McCallum)
Edward Thompson Edward Thompson ...
Ferdie Fenton
Johnny Taylor Johnny Taylor ...
Dippy, 'Prince Alakazoo'
Ray Martin Ray Martin ...
Joe
Guernsey Morrow Guernsey Morrow ...
Ed. Lake (as Guersney Morrow)
Charles Hawkins Charles Hawkins ...
Sam, the Stage Manager (as Charlie Hawkins)
Basin Street Boys Basin Street Boys ...
Speciality
Rubberneck Holmes Rubberneck Holmes ...
Specialty (as Rubber Neck Holmes)
Cats and the Fiddle Cats and the Fiddle ...
Speciality
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Storyline

Duke Davis has invested all his savings to back his sweetheart, Ethel, in a road show over the old T.O.B.A. circuit, on which they have both been performers since childhood. Marshall, a New York talent scout, makes an offer to Ethel as a single and, to induce her to take it, Duke writes a fake check, made out to him, for $5000 pretending he has sold his contract with Ethel to Marshall. Resentful and heartbroken, she accepts and becomes a big hit in New York. Marshall then books her at the swanky Century Club, plans her show himself, and it flops miserably. Meanwhile, Duke has used his last resources to start a new show, but without Ethel it also fails. He joins the Doc Dorando medicine show, and with him as the speiler for the quack elixir sold by Dorando, it is successful. He becomes Doc's partner with an elaborate trailer and a company of entertainers, including Willie Covans, the Basin Street Boys... Written by Les Adams <longhorn1939@suddenlink.net>  

Plot Summary | Add Synopsis

Genres:

Musical

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Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

(USA) See more »

Also Known As:

The Bronze Venus See more »

Filming Locations:

New York City, New York, USA

Company Credits

Show detailed company contact information on IMDbPro »

Technical Specs

Runtime:

Sound Mix:

Mono

Aspect Ratio:

1.37 : 1
See full technical specs »
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Did You Know?

Trivia

Lena Horne did not attend the June, 1938 NAACP charity premiere in Pittsburgh because she was not paid for her work. See more »

Connections

Edited into Strange Frame: Love & Sax (2012) See more »

Soundtracks

"Blackberry Baby"
(uncredited)
Sung and danced by unidentified cast in the music hall See more »