August 29 - 42nd Street

This is a film with a scene that happens today – August 29. I hope you will enjoy this movie and watch it tonight.

42^nd STREET

On August 29, 193__[2:00 to 3:12] Dorothy Brock signs a contract to appear in Pretty Lady on Broadway, which is being financed by Abner Dillon, who has sexual designs on her. Julian Marsh, the renowned director is hired for the show because he needs the money, having lost everything in the Wall Street Crash. He accepts, even though his health is poor.  Greenhorn Peggy Sawyer arrives for tryouts and meets Billy Lawler, the show’s juvenile male lead, who has an instant attraction to her. An experienced chorus line girl, Lorraine, uses her relationship with Andy Lee, the dance director, to get herself and her friend “Anytime” Annie hired. Billy’s recommendation  gets Peggy hired for the last chorus girl slot.  Dorothy has been seeing her old vaudeville partner, Pat Deming. Marsh revamps the show to be more upbeat and Pat takes Peggy on a date.  Thugs hired by Marsh threaten and punch him, warning him to stay away from Dorothy. They had been hired by Marsh because he was afraid if Dillon learned of Deming’s relationship with Dorothy he would withdraw his support for the show. Deming leaves for Philadelphia. After five weeks of exhausting rehearsals, the show goes to Philadelphia for the opening. At a hotel the night before Dorothy becomes angry over Dillon’s  sexually suggestive behavior towards her and tosses him out.  Meanwhile Peggy was invited to a cast party where much the same thing happens to her and she leaves. Deming comes to Dorothy’s room, but is seen by Mac Elroy the stage manager, who plans to have Deming beaten up. Peggy overhears this and goes to warn Dorothy and Deming. Dorothy mistakes her appearance and mistakenly presumes a romance between Deming and Peggy. In a scuffle, Dorothy breaks her ankle.  Dillon suggests his new girlfriend “Anytime” Annie as Dorothy’s replacement, but she proposes Peggy instead. Marsh reluctantly agrees and Dorothy gives her a pep talk. Billy declares he loves Peggy and the show is a hit with the audience.   

One of the first ‘talkie’ musicals and one of the best. It seems fresher and more realistic than many that followed. Busby Berkeley’s great choreography shines in this movie. 

Date given in film at 2:05 on a contract

Director - Lloyd Bacon

Awards – The film was nominated for Best Picture and Best Sound at the 6^th Academy

                 Awards. 

Runtime – 1 hour 29 minutes

Released – February 2, 1933

Starring –

Warner Baxter as Julian Marsh

Bebe Daniels as Dorothy Brock

George Brent as Pat Denning

Ruby Keeler as Peggy Sawyer

Guy Kibbee as Abner Dillon

Una Merkel as Lorraine Fleming

Ginger Rogers as Ann Lowell

Ned Sparks as Barry

Dick Powell as Billy Lawler

Allen Jenkins as Mac Elroy, the stage manager

Edward J. Nugent as Terry, a chorus boy

Robert McWade as Jones

George E. Stone as Andy Lee