Summaries

This is a film based on the life of Gus Edwards, a well-known vaudeville composer, entertainer and producer.

A penniless song writer, Larry Earl, is convinced he is going places in shown business, and convinces Mary, an assistant at an orphanage, to marry him. Fifteen months later they are still in love, but broke as Larry writes songs that won't sell and loses one job after another one. He stops to watch a group of newsboys singing and dancing, and decides to organize them into the greatest kid act to ever hit vaudeville. Mary persuades Proctor, a big theatrical manager, to book the act, and they are a big hit. Then Larry and his publicity agent, "Speed" King, launch a big publicity stunt---a talent train in which they travel across country holding auditions for young performers. Back in New York, Carlotta Salvini, an ex-Opera singer, brings in her talented fourteen-year-old-daughter, Jane, who has an amazing voice. Larry, to get the mother out of the way, offers Carlotta a forty-week vaudeville tour, and then goes to work to make a star out of Jane, by building Broadway's first all-kiddie musical revue around her. Opening night has "School Days" as the first act and the show and Jane are a big hit...until the Gerry Society, organized to protect working children, reminds Larry there is a law against children working after 10 pm, and the show closes. Larry's future appears dim at best.—Les Adams <[email protected]>

Details

Keywords
  • new york city
  • song
  • child
  • vaudeville
  • revue
Genres
  • Comedy
  • Biography
  • Music
Release date Aug 24, 1939
Motion Picture Rating (MPA) Approved
Countries of origin United States
Language English
Filming locations Paramount Studios - 5555 Melrose Avenue, Hollywood, Los Angeles, California, USA
Production companies Paramount Pictures

Box office

Tech specs

Runtime 1h 34m
Color Black and White
Aspect ratio 1.37 : 1

Synopsis

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