Stage Door Canteen (1943)

"Dakota," a young soldier on a pass in New York City, visits the famed Stage Door Canteen, where famous stars of the theatre and films appear and host a recreational center for servicemen ... See full summary »

Director:

Frank Borzage

Writer:

Delmer Daves (original screenplay)

Stars:

Cheryl Walker, William Terry, Judith Anderson

Nominated for 2 Oscars.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Judith Anderson	...	Judith Anderson
Kenny Baker	...	Kenny Baker
Tallulah Bankhead	...	Tallulah Bankhead
Ralph Bellamy	...	Ralph Bellamy
Edgar Bergen	...	Edgar Berger
Charlie McCarthy	...	Charlie McCarthy
Ray Bolger	...	Ray Bolger
Ina Claire	...	Ina Claire
Katharine Cornell	...	Katherine Cornell
Gracie Fields	...	Gracie Fields
Lynn Fontanne	...	Lynn Fontaine
Helen Hayes	...	Helen Hayes
Katharine Hepburn	...	Katharine Hepburn
Hugh Herbert	...	Hugh Herbert
Jean Hersholt	...	Jean Hersholt

Storyline

"Dakota," a young soldier on a pass in New York City, visits the famed Stage Door Canteen, where famous stars of the theatre and films appear and host a recreational center for servicemen during the war. Dakota meets a pretty young hostess, Eileen, and they enjoy the many entertainers and a growing romance.

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Plot Keywords:

stage door canteen | new york city | male female relationship | star crossed lovers | world war two | 

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Genres:

Comedy | Musical | Romance | War

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Certificate:

Passed

Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English Russian Spanish

Release Date:

22 November 1943 (UK)

Also Known As:

Chuva de Estrelas

Filming Locations:

Fort MacArthur, San Pedro, Los Angeles, California, USA

Company Credits

Production Co:

Sol Lesser Productions

Technical Specs

Runtime:

132 min

Sound Mix:

Mono (RCA Sound System)

Color:

Black and White

Aspect Ratio:

1.37 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

There are two main versions of this movie. One that runs at about 132 minutes and a shorter TV version which runs around the 93 minute mark, the latter of which is the more omnipresent version available.

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Quotes

Lynn Fontaine: I do say it myself. I can flirt up a pretty sandwich. This is for my darling.
Alfred Lunt: Wellll... thank you my dear!
Lynn Fontaine: Ohh, it's not for you. It's for that adorable sailor from Savannah.
Alfred Lunt: Oh, is that the boy who came up to me the other day and said, "Thank you Mr. Lunt" and I said you're welcome but what for? And he said, "I'm having so much fun with your wife?"
Lynn Fontaine: Oh no, no. That boy came from Norfolk.
Alfred Lunt: Oh, you do get around don't you!
Lynn Fontaine: I don't but the sailors do.

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Crazy Credits

All rights granted by the American Theater Wing which gratefully acknowledges and credits the producers, stars and members of all the theatrical unions, guilds, crafts and associations for their participation in the creation and continuance of the original Stage Door Canteen.

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Alternate Versions

Many prints run at 93 minutes, cutting out many performances.

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Connections

Featured in Showbiz Goes to War (1982)

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Soundtracks

Sleep Baby Sleep (in Your Jeep)
(1943)
Music by James V. Monaco
Lyrics by Al Dubin
Played by the Kay Kyser Band as dance music with the title sung by Harry Babbitt (uncredited)
Played by the Guy Lombardo Orchestra and sung by Guy's sister, Rosemarie Lombardo (uncredited)

User Reviews

Lifting spirits of U.S. servicemen.

A young soldier romances a hostess at the famed New York City canteen. A barrage of entertainers feed, mingle, chat and perform for the soldiers. Starring Cheryl Walker and William Terry. Just a few of the big stars contributing are: George Raft, Ed Wynn, Tallulah Bankhead, Paul Muni, Merle Oberon, Katherine Hepburn, Georgie Jessel, Kay Kyser, Count Basie, Gypsy Rose Lee, Benny Goodman, Helen Hayes and Edgar Bergen. Most prints of this "rally the boys" film run 132 minutes and others run 93 minutes. Watching this is like looking into a window of an era. Relaxing.