Knickerbocker Holiday (1944)

It's 1650 in New Amsterdam, and Brom Broeck, a young outspoken newspaper publisher is arrested for printing advanced opinions on the undemocratic rule of Govenor "Peg-Leg" Stuyvesant. While... See full summary »

Director:

Harry Joe Brown

Writers:

Maxwell Anderson (play), David Boehm,

Stars:

Nelson Eddy, Charles Coburn, Constance Dowling

Nominated for 1 Oscar.

Cast

Complete credited cast:
Nelson Eddy	...	Brom Broeck
Charles Coburn	...	Peter Stuyvesant
Constance Dowling	...	Tina Tienhoven
Ernest Cossart	...	Tienhoven
Shelley Winters	...	Ulda Tienhoven (as Shelley Winter)
Johnnie Davis	...	Tenpin (as Johnny 'Scat' Davis)
Percy Kilbride	...	Schermerhorn the jailer
Otto Kruger	...	Roosevelt
Fritz Feld	...	Poffenburgh
Richard Hale	...	Tammany
Carmen Amaya	...	Gypsy Dancer

Storyline

It's 1650 in New Amsterdam, and Brom Broeck, a young outspoken newspaper publisher is arrested for printing advanced opinions on the undemocratic rule of Govenor "Peg-Leg" Stuyvesant. While Brom is in prison, old "Peg-Leg" goes on the make for Brom's sweetheart. But, when "Peg-Leg" is forced to release Brom... Watch-out!

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Plot Keywords:

1650s | based on play

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Genres:

Comedy | History | Musical

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Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

17 March 1944 (USA)

Also Known As:

A Cidade Que Dança

Company Credits

Production Co:

Producers Corporation of America

Technical Specs

Runtime:

85 min

Sound Mix:

Mono (Western Electric Mirrophonic Recording)

Color:

Black and White

Aspect Ratio:

1.37 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

Although most of the stage musical's songs were omitted from the film, "September Song" did make it into the film, and the original lyrics of the song (referring to Peter Stuyvesant's wooden leg) were used, rather than the more familiar ones sung by most popular and nightclub singers.

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Connections

Version of Pulitzer Prize Playhouse: Knickerbocker Holiday (1950)

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Soundtracks

"Jail Song (Oh Woe!)"
Music by Kurt Weill
Lyrics by Nelson Eddy and Forman Brown

User Reviews

Breezy Fun

There is no denying that is a low budget film, especially compared to Eddy's MGM classics. Yet there is something very satisfying about this musical. Eddy plays a small publisher who dares to criticize the local government. Charles Coburn is the visiting Governor, who is a scheming crook only interested in bettering his personal situation. The two men are sure to have a conflict. The conflict is heightened when Coburn meets Eddy's lady, the delightful Constance Dowling, and he takes a romantic interest in the lady.

If this all sounds very dramatic, it is not. The film has it's tongue firmly in it's cheek throughout and the comedy parts are the film's strength. Of note, the print I purchased on Bonanza did include September Song as I understand the song is deleted in some prints. However, it should be noted the song is sung by Charles Coburn, not Eddy. And finally, I'd like to say how much I enjoyed the films opening musical number. The song is very catchy and the production is very amusing and well done.