42nd Street Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A stressed-out director forces a chorus girl to become a star overnight because his sugar mama tripped on a rug.

🍿 42nd Street: Detailed Plot Synopsis

Broadway Dreams Amidst Hardship

During the Great Depression, famed Broadway director Julian Marsh is determined to stage a spectacular musical revue, ‘Pretty Lady’. However, his own failing health and the financial pressures of the era make the task incredibly daunting. Abner Dillon, a wealthy businessman, finances the show primarily to showcase his girlfriend, the seasoned but fading star Dorothy Brock.

Love, Ambition, and Backstage Drama

Dorothy is caught in a love triangle, torn between her sugar daddy, Abner, and her former vaudeville partner, Pat Denning. Meanwhile, a chorus girl named Peggy Sawyer arrives in New York, eager to make it big on Broadway. Peggy quickly finds herself entangled in the competitive world of show business, navigating friendships and romantic interests, including a budding connection with the show’s juvenile lead, Billy Lawler.

A Star is Born

Disaster strikes on the eve of the Philadelphia premiere when a drunken Dorothy injures her ankle during a heated argument with Pat. With the entire production in jeopardy, Julian Marsh makes a daring decision: he bets everything on Peggy, giving her a chance to step into the leading role. Peggy, overwhelmed but determined, rises to the challenge, rehearsing tirelessly under Marsh’s demanding direction.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Julian Marsh (Warner Baxter): A demanding and ailing Broadway director desperate to make his new musical a success.
• Dorothy Brock (Bebe Daniels): The established but temperamental star of the musical, torn between her sugar daddy and true love.
• Peggy Sawyer (Ruby Keeler): A naive and hopeful chorus girl who gets her big break when the leading lady is injured.
• Pat Denning (George Brent): Dorothy’s former vaudeville partner and true love, struggling with his place in her life.
• Billy Lawler (Dick Powell): The charming juvenile lead in the musical, who falls for Peggy Sawyer.
• Abner Dillon (Guy Kibbee): The wealthy but clueless sugar daddy financing the musical in hopes of winning Dorothy’s affection.
• Ann Lowell (Ginger Rogers): A wisecracking and worldly chorus girl, known as ‘Anytime Annie’, who provides comic relief.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Julian Marsh: “Sawyer, you listen to me, and you listen hard. Two hundred people, two hundred jobs, two hundred thousand dollars, five weeks of grind and blood and sweat depend upon you.” – Julian Marsh desperately motivates Peggy Sawyer to take over the lead role and save the show.
• Julian Marsh: “You’re going out a youngster, but you’ve got to come back a star!” – Marsh’s iconic send-off to Peggy Sawyer captures the essence of overnight success.
• Dorothy Brock: “Now go out there and be so swell… that you’ll make me hate you!” – Dorothy Brock acknowledges Peggy’s talent and the potential for her to overshadow her.
• Anytime Annie: “She only said ‘no’ once, and then she didn’t hear the question.” – Describing Anytime Annie’s promiscuous nature and willingness to do anything.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $439,000
• Domestic Gross: N/A
• Worldwide Gross: $1,800

💥 42nd Street Reviews

Personal Review

I absolutely loved “42nd Street”! It’s such a feel-good movie with fantastic music and dance numbers. I was especially moved by Ruby Keeler’s performance as Peggy Sawyer – her transformation from a shy chorus girl to a confident star was truly inspiring. The ’42nd Street’ finale gave me chills! I was tapping my feet throughout the whole movie. I can’t wait to watch it again!

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of classic musicals”
  • “Those interested in the history of Broadway and Hollywood”
  • “Viewers who appreciate dazzling dance sequences”
  • “Anyone who enjoys stories about following your dreams”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Mild suggestive content”
  • “Smoking and alcohol use”
  • “Some stereotypical portrayals may be considered outdated”

Professional Reviews

• Variety: “”42nd Street” is a dazzling spectacle of song and dance that captures the grit and glamour of Broadway during the Depression. The performances are captivating, and the musical numbers are brilliantly staged. A must-see for any fan of classic Hollywood musicals.
• The New York Times: “A delightful and energetic musical that set the standard for backstage stories. “42nd Street” is a testament to the power of dreams and determination, with memorable performances and iconic musical numbers that continue to inspire.
• RogerEbert.com: “While perhaps dated by today’s standards, “42nd Street” remains a charming and historically significant film. Its influence on the musical genre is undeniable, and the Busby Berkeley choreography is a visual feast. A must-see for film buffs.

Audience Reactions

Ruby Keeler’s performance as Peggy Sawyer was inspiring.: The Busby Berkeley choreography was visually stunning.

The songs are incredibly catchy and memorable.: The movie’s depiction of Broadway during the Depression era felt authentic.

Overall Consensus: “42nd Street” is a classic Hollywood musical that remains a beloved and influential film. Its memorable songs, energetic dance numbers, and inspiring story continue to captivate audiences.

Awards

1. Academy Awards (Best Dance Direction)- 1934

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “42nd Street was a major success that saved Warner Bros. from bankruptcy during the Great Depression.”
• “The elaborate Busby Berkeley dance numbers, while visually stunning, could not have been seen by a live theater audience, showcasing the unique possibilities of film.”
• “Ginger Rogers’ character, ‘Anytime Annie,’ was considered risque for the time, reflecting the more daring Pre-Code Hollywood era.”

🖥️ How to Watch 42nd Street?

As a classic film, ’42nd Street’ is often available on streaming services that offer classic movie selections. Check platforms like The Criterion Channel, HBO Max, or TCM’s streaming service. You can also find it for purchase or rental on platforms like Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies, and Vudu. Be sure to compare prices and availability across these services to find the best option for you. Check your local library too!

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed 42nd Street, you might like these similar films:

• Gold Diggers of 1933 (1933): Another classic backstage musical from the same year, featuring similar themes of the Great Depression and Busby Berkeley’s extravagant choreography.
• Footlight Parade (1933): Another Busby Berkeley musical from the same year, with James Cagney, showcasing the dazzling and innovative production numbers of the era.
• Singin’ in the Rain (1952): A beloved musical comedy that celebrates the transition to sound in Hollywood, with memorable songs and dances.
• All That Jazz (1979): A semi-autobiographical film by Bob Fosse that explores the demanding and often self-destructive world of a Broadway director.
• The Band Wagon (1953): Starring Fred Astaire and Cyd Charisse, this musical follows a Broadway star trying to revive his career with a new show, featuring memorable dance sequences.

🛒 42nd Street Related Products

• 42nd Street (Blu-ray): Experience the dazzling choreography and timeless music in stunning high definition. Includes behind-the-scenes features and commentary.
• 42nd Street (Original Broadway Cast Recording): Relive the magic of the Broadway stage with this complete cast recording. Featuring all the iconic songs from the show.
• 42nd Street: The Song & Dance Fable of Broadway: Explore the history and impact of “42nd Street” with this comprehensive book. Filled with rare photos and insightful essays.
• Busby Berkeley: A Biography: Learn about the life and career of the innovative choreographer behind “42nd Street’s” iconic dance numbers. A fascinating look into the mind of a visionary artist.

🎧 Soundtrack

42nd Street features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “42nd Street” – performed by Ruby Keeler & Chorus
• “Shuffle Off to Buffalo” – performed by Ruby Keeler, Clarence Nordstrom, Ginger Rogers & Una Merkel
• “You’re Getting to Be a Habit With Me” – performed by Bebe Daniels
• “Young and Healthy” – performed by Dick Powell

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

New York City newsstand in the 1930s – Restored Footage

Want to see what 42nd Street actually looked like back in the day? This restored footage is incredible! It’s like stepping back in time, and honestly, the fashion was killer.

PBS Broadway George M Cohan All The Gang at 42nd Street

Ever wonder about the real story behind the Broadway legend on 42nd Street? This PBS clip dives into George M. Cohan’s life and influence. You won’t believe how much he shaped the era!

The “Audition” | 42nd Street | Broadway’s Best | Great Performances on PBS

See the “Audition” scene from 42nd Street brought to life on stage! It’s super interesting to compare the movie version to this Broadway interpretation. Which one do you think is better?

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