Trocadero (1944)

A newspaper columnist and host of his own national network radio program, interviewing more film personalities on his show than any other commentator, is searching for a story for a Sunday ... See full summary »

Director:

William Nigh

Writers:

Allan Gale (screenplay), Charles F. Chaplin (original story),

Stars:

Rosemary Lane, Johnny Downs, Ralph Morgan

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Rosemary Lane	...	Judy Edwards
Johnny Downs	...	Johnny Edwards
Ralph Morgan	...	Sam Wallace
Dick Purcell	...	Spike Nelson
Sheldon Leonard	...	Mickey Jones
Marjorie Manners	...	Marge Carson
Cliff Nazarro	...	Cliff
Erskine Johnson	...	Hollywood Columnist
Dave Fleischer	...	Dave Fleischer
Emmett Vogan	...	Carson
Charles Calvert	...	Tony Rocadero
Dewey Robinson	...	Bullfrog
Ruth Hilliard	...	Nancy - Cigarette Girl
Eddie Bartell	...	Master of Ceremonies and Radio Rogue member
Bob Chester	...	Orchestra Leader

Storyline

A newspaper columnist and host of his own national network radio program, interviewing more film personalities on his show than any other commentator, is searching for a story for a Sunday column carried by newspaper from coast to coast. Hanging out in Hollywood's famed Trocadero restaurant and night-spot, he gets his story when "Troc" owner and band-leader Eddie LeBaron, relates to him the sage of the famed screenland nitery. And hears plenty of music furnished by four of the top name-bands in the land, including that of Bob Chester, who formed his own swing band in 1935 after being top saxophonist with the bands of Ben Pollack and Ben Bernie. Singer Ida James and the Chester band led off with "Shoo Shoo Baby" in their screen debut.

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Plot Keywords:

restaurant | singer | newspaper columnist | radio program | commentator | 

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Genres:

Comedy | Music

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Certificate:

Approved

Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

24 April 1944 (USA)

Company Credits

Production Co:

Walter Colmes Productions

Technical Specs

Runtime:

74 min

Sound Mix:

Mono

Color:

Black and White

Aspect Ratio:

1.37 : 1

Did You Know?

Soundtracks

"Trying to Forget"
Written by Tony Romano
Performed by Rosemary Lane

User Reviews

Delightful Music and Rosemary Lane, A Cheapy, but Goody

The plot of the history of a nightclub is the excuse to present a bunch of musical numbers. The music is really nice. If you're a fan of the Big Bands of the 30's and 40's and/or swing, you'll enjoy it.

A couple of the unique perks are wonderful brief appearances by Dave Fleischer and Ida James. Dave, along with brother Max, did the classic Betty Boop, Koko the Clown, and Popeye cartoons. Here he draws a cute little cartoon character named Skimpy who becomes animated. Ida James is a beautiful and terrific black singer/actress from the period who sings her hit song "Shoo, Shoo, Baby."

Another perk is the appearance of the incomparable Sheldon Leonard. He is the ultimate Brooklyn gangster. Here, he is gentle as lamb. He continued acting regularly for another 40 years after this, but is best known, perhaps, for producing a series of hit television shows in the 1950's and 1960's, including "The Danny Thomas Show," The Andy Griffith Show," and "I Spy".

The main attraction of the movie for me is Rosemary Lane. I've seen her in a couple of movies where she was good, but overshadowed by her bundle of energy sister, Priscilla Lane. Here, she is the main attraction, and she handles her role as one of the nightclub owners with charm, cool and intelligence. She looks great in the stylish dresses and sings delightfully. This was sadly her penultimate movie out of about 20 that she made in a short 10 year acting career. I knew her sisters Priscilla and Lola could carry a movie, but this showed me that Rosemary was able to carry one on her own.

There is one interesting scene that she plays in complete profile. I've never seen an actress do that. At first, I thought it was a mistake, because you can't really see her reaction, but at the end of the scene she turns so that we can she her full face. It is quite effective. It was probably the director's decision, but only a very confident actress would have played the scene as well as she did.

Anyways, if you are a 30's/40's music fan or a Lane sister fan, this is a fun ride.