Broadway Melody of 1940 (1940)

Johnny Brett and King Shaw are an unsuccessful dance team in New York. A producer discovers Brett as the new partner for Clare Bennett, but Brett, who thinks he is one of the people they lent money to gives him the name of his partner.

Director:

Norman Taurog

Writers:

Leon Gordon (screen play), George Oppenheimer (screen play),

Stars:

Fred Astaire, Eleanor Powell, George Murphy

Cast

Complete credited cast:
Fred Astaire	...	Johnny Brett
Eleanor Powell	...	Clare Bennett
George Murphy	...	King Shaw
Frank Morgan	...	Bob Casey
Ian Hunter	...	Bert C. Matthews
Florence Rice	...	Amy Blake
Lynne Carver	...	Emmy Lou Lee
Ann Morriss	...	Pearl
Trixie Firschke	...	Juggler

Storyline

Johnny Brett and King Shaw are an unsuccessful dance team in New York. A producer discovers Brent as the new partner for Clare Bennett, but Brett, who thinks he is one of the people they lent money to gives him the name of his partner.

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Plot Keywords:

dance | manhattan new york city | love triangle | tap dance | broadway manhattan new york city | 

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Taglines:

Eleanor Powell - Fred Astaire - In The Finest Broadway Melody Of Them All

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Genres:

Musical

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Certificate:

Approved

Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

9 February 1940 (USA)

Also Known As:

Broadway qui danse

Filming Locations:

Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Studios - 10202 W. Washington Blvd., Culver City, California, USA

Company Credits

Production Co:

Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer (MGM), Loew's

Technical Specs

Runtime:

102 min

Sound Mix:

Mono (Western Electric Sound System)

Color:

Black and White

Aspect Ratio:

1.37 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

Planned to be shot in Technicolor, but made in black and white.

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Goofs

When Johnny substitutes for King at the last minute, the costume fits the much smaller Johnny perfectly.

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Quotes

Johnny Brett: [singing] So, move Grant's Tomb to Union Square / and put Brooklyn anywhere / but please, please / I'm down on my knees / don't monkey with Broadway!

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Connections

Follows Broadway Melody of 1938 (1937)

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Soundtracks

"Sobre las Olas (Over the Waves)"
(1887) (uncredited)
Written by Juventino Rosas
Played during the Trixie Firschke juggling act

User Reviews

Memorable Dancing Scenes

The pairing of Eleanor Powell and Fred Astaire made for an interesting combination.

In most cases, when Fred danced with anyone, audiences' eyes tended to focus on him rather than his partner. Powell's natural charimsa shifted that norm. Not really taller than Astaire but more solid than his normal partners with very strong, full legs, Powell's presence demanded attention.

Actually, Eleanor didn't really need a dance partner. Like Ann Miller, Powell was a "single," a complete "deal" in one package. Eleanor could do tap, soft shoe, ballet, interpretive and classic with equal aplomb. Her energy and dexterity seemed limitless. Yet when she danced here with Fred, the restaurant and "challenge" dance sequences became classics.

Cole Porter's ravishing "I Concentrate on You" is presented in a beautiful rendition with rich baritone solo and Powell executing endless turns on pointe, all while moving in circles.

George Murphy is seen here at his tap dancing best. Yet while doing all the steps perfectly with Astaire, George's more beefy frame makes him seem more heavy, while Fred appears more facile.

This fun-filled film continues to be shown and enjoyed as a memento of a happy period--at least in terms of Hollywood musicals.