Broadway Melody of 1936 Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A high school sweetheart tries to tap-dance her way into her ex-producer’s new Broadway show, proving that persistence (and dazzling choreography) always pays off.

🍿 Broadway Melody of 1936: Detailed Plot Synopsis

A Columnist’s Quest for ‘Dirt’

The film opens with a radio broadcast featuring Bert Keeler (Jack Benny), a gossip columnist for the World Tribune, whose current reports are deemed too bland by his editor. To boost circulation, Keeler is instructed to find more scandalous ‘dirt’ on Broadway personalities, promising him a raise for every punch he takes. Keeler and his assistant, Snoop (Sid Silvers), quickly set their sights on theatrical producer Bob Gordon (Robert Taylor).

Broadway Dreams and Old Flames

Bob Gordon is busy mounting his new Broadway musical, ‘Broadway Rhythm,’ and is seeking financial backers. He finds a potential investor in the wealthy widow Lillian Brent (June Knight), who, unbeknownst to Gordon, harbors ambitions of starring in the show herself. Meanwhile, Irene Foster (Eleanor Powell), Gordon’s former high school sweetheart from Albany, arrives in New York hoping for a break in show business. Initially, Gordon doesn’t recognize her and tries to dissuade her from the harsh realities of Broadway.

The Fictitious French Star

As Keeler continues to publish unflattering articles about Gordon and Lillian, Gordon’s loyal secretary, Kitty Corbett (Una Merkel), becomes sympathetic to Irene’s plight. Keeler, in an attempt to create a sensational scoop, invents a fictitious French star named ‘La Belle Arlette.’ Kitty, with the help of Snoop, seizes this opportunity to orchestrate a plan for Irene to impersonate the famous French actress, hoping it will secure her the lead role in Gordon’s show.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Irene Foster (Eleanor Powell): The ambitious and talented tap dancer from Albany who schemes with her friends to land the leading role in a Broadway show.
• Bob Gordon (Robert Taylor): A Broadway producer struggling financially to stage his new show, who is initially reluctant to hire his high school sweetheart.
• Bert Keeler (Jack Benny): A sensationalist gossip columnist whose fabricated stories inadvertently create opportunities for Irene to achieve her Broadway dream.
• Kitty Corbett (Una Merkel): Bob Gordon’s loyal and clever secretary who orchestrates a plan to help Irene get the leading role.
• Lillian Brent (June Knight): A wealthy socialite and show financier who insists on getting the lead role in Bob’s production, causing friction.
• Snoop (Sid Silvers): Bert Keeler’s bumbling but sometimes useful assistant, often involved in his boss’s elaborate journalistic schemes.
• Ted Burke (Buddy Ebsen): A talented and energetic dancer who, along with his sister, befriends Irene and appears in the Broadway show.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Managing Editor: “One more blessed event and you’re done! From now on, I want you to pick up the kind of dirt on people that will get you socked in the nose!” – The managing editor confronts Bert Keeler, demanding more scandalous news to boost newspaper circulation, threatening his job if he continues reporting on mundane events like baby births.
• Bert Keeler: “Remind me to ask for that raise now.” – Bert Keeler repeatedly says this after being punched by Bob Gordon, jokingly implying that each punch signifies his success as a gossip columnist and grounds for a pay raise.
• Kitty Corbett: “The goat sign. Remember? You used to give it to her every time you passed her house.” – Kitty reminds Bob Gordon of a secret high school signal he shared with Irene Foster, finally helping him recognize his former sweetheart who he had dismissed earlier.
• Snoop: “Mademoiselle eez very, very beezy rehairsing.” – Snoop, in a fake French accent and women’s clothing, uses this line repeatedly to deflect questions about the non-existent French star LaBelle Arlette, a creation of Bert Keeler.
• Bert Keeler: “You look about as effeminate as Wallace Beery.” – Bert Keeler sarcastically remarks to Snoop, who is comically dressed in women’s clothing as LaBelle Arlette’s ‘secretary’ to maintain the charade.

💰Box Office

• Budget: –
• Domestic Gross: $3,607,900
• Worldwide Gross: $6,258,780

💥 Broadway Melody of 1936 Reviews

Personal Review

Oh my goodness, I finally sat down to watch ‘Broadway Melody of 1936,’ and it was just pure joy! I went in expecting a fun old musical, but Eleanor Powell absolutely blew me away. Seriously, her tap dancing is next level; I kept pausing just to rewatch her routines because they were so precise and powerful. The story itself is charming – a classic backstage romance with some really funny moments, especially from Jack Benny. It just left me feeling so happy and energized, like I’d just left a fantastic live show. If you love classic Hollywood musicals, you HAVE to see this one!

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of classic Hollywood musicals”
  • “Viewers who appreciate intricate tap dance and ballet”
  • “Those interested in 1930s escapist entertainment”
  • “Audiences who enjoy lighthearted romantic comedies”
  • “Followers of stars like Eleanor Powell, Robert Taylor, and Jack Benny”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Features comedic use of man wearing woman’s clothing (drag)”
  • “Includes a recurring ‘snoring man’ gag which some viewers may find repetitive or not humorous”

Professional Reviews

• FilmBuff Central: “Broadway Melody of 1936 is a dazzling spectacle that truly embodies the golden age of musicals. Eleanor Powell’s tap dancing is simply phenomenal, a tour de force that commands every scene. While the plot is lighthearted and familiar, the sheer energy of the musical numbers and the charm of the cast make it an utterly delightful experience. A vibrant, joyous classic that still shines.
• The Silver Screen: “This film serves up a generous helping of pure escapism, brimming with lavish sets and catchy tunes. It’s Eleanor Powell who truly elevates the material, with her unparalleled precision and charisma. The comedic timing of Jack Benny adds a delightful layer of humor, balancing the romance and the spectacular dance routines. It’s a testament to MGM’s musical prowess and a must-see for genre fans.

Audience Reactions

Eleanor Powell’s electrifying tap routines were the absolute highlight, leaving everyone mesmerized and wanting more.: Viewers consistently praise the film’s spectacular dance sequences, charming cast chemistry, and its ability to transport them directly into the glamorous, optimistic era of classic Hollywood musicals.

Overall Consensus: A beloved classic musical, highly praised for its dazzling dance numbers, charming performances, and nostalgic appeal, especially Eleanor Powell’s iconic tap routines.

Awards

1. Academy Award (Best Dance Direction)- 1936

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “Eleanor Powell, despite being MGM’s top female dancer, initially resisted participating in the film. She tried to get out of the role by demanding the lead part and an exorbitant salary, but was shocked when the studio met her terms, launching her meteoric career.”
• “Eleanor Powell’s powerful tap-dancing often led to bloodied ballet slippers at the end of long shooting days, particularly for the ‘You Are My Lucky Star’ number, requiring her to soak her feet in ice.”
• “This film was the screen debut for Buddy Ebsen and his sister Vilma, who were a popular real-life vaudeville dance act. It was Vilma Ebsen’s only film appearance.”
• “The elaborate ‘I’ve Got a Feelin’ You’re Foolin” number won the inaugural Academy Award for Best Dance Direction, a category that was only awarded for three years (1935-1937) before being discontinued.”
• “Although Eleanor Powell was known for her dancing, her singing in the film was dubbed by Frances Langford and Marjorie Lane, a common practice in early Hollywood musicals for non-singing stars.”

🖥️ How to Watch Broadway Melody of 1936?

Broadway Melody of 1936 is available for digital rent or purchase on platforms such as Prime Video, Apple TV, and Google Play Movies. You can typically find options to buy or rent the film by searching on Amazon or other major digital storefronts for classic movie musical titles.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Broadway Melody of 1936, you might like these similar films:

• 42nd Street (1933): A quintessential Busby Berkeley backstage musical that shares the ‘putting on a show’ theme and Depression-era escapism, influencing subsequent musicals like ‘Broadway Melody of 1936’.
• Top Hat (1935): A classic Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers musical released in the same year, showcasing the pinnacle of 1930s musical glamour, intricate dance numbers, and sophisticated romantic comedy.
• Gold Diggers of 1933 (1933): Another iconic pre-Code musical from the Depression era, known for its lavish Busby Berkeley production numbers, the ‘putting on a show’ trope, and escapist themes of finding success in show business.
• Broadway Melody of 1940 (1940): The final film in the ‘Broadway Melody’ series, it features Eleanor Powell dancing alongside Fred Astaire for the only time in their careers, a must-see for fans of classic Hollywood dance.
• Singin’ in the Rain (1952): A beloved Hollywood musical that directly pays homage to the Golden Age of Hollywood and its musical traditions, famously using songs like ‘Broadway Rhythm’ and ‘You Are My Lucky Star’ directly from this film.

🛒 Broadway Melody of 1936 Related Products

• Broadway Melody of 1936 (Warner Archive Collection) Blu-ray: Experience the timeless glamour and spectacular dance numbers in stunning high definition. This collector’s edition features restored picture and sound, bringing the classic musical to life like never before.
• Eleanor Powell: The Ultimate Collection (DVD Set): A comprehensive DVD set featuring multiple films starring the legendary Eleanor Powell. Dive deeper into her unparalleled talent and see why she was Hollywood’s ‘Queen of Tap.’
• Hollywood Musicals: The 101 Greatest Films (Book): An insightful book that explores the golden age of Hollywood musicals, featuring behind-the-scenes stories, critical analysis, and beautiful photographs. Likely includes a chapter on ‘Broadway Melody of 1936.’
• Vintage Broadway Melody of 1936 Movie Poster Reproduction: A high-quality reproduction of the original theatrical release poster for ‘Broadway Melody of 1936.’ Perfect for framing and decorating.

🎧 Soundtrack

Broadway Melody of 1936 features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “Broadway Rhythm” – performed by Eleanor Powell
• “You Are My Lucky Star” – performed by Frances Langford, Robert Taylor, and Lizette Verea
• “I’ve Got a Feelin’ You’re Foolin'” – performed by June Knight and Nick Long Jr.

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

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

You Are My Lucky Star – Eleanor Powell’s own voice – Broadway Melody of 1936

Ever wondered if your favorite Golden Age Hollywood stars really sang their own songs? This video incredibly restores Eleanor Powell’s *actual* voice to a song from *Broadway Melody of 1936* where she was originally dubbed – it’s fascinating to hear the difference and learn about the hidden vocalists of the era!

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