Manhattan Merry-Go-Round
In this musical comedy, a crooked record producer uses his mob connections to force performers to do their stuff. The trouble really begins when the gangster's strong-arm tactics nearly cause a singer to lose his fiancée. A wide variety of entertainers appear including cowboy crooner Gene Autry, baseball hero Joe DiMaggio, and big band stars Cab Calloway, Ted Lewis, and the Kay Thompson Singers. Songs include "Mamma I Wanna Make Rhythm," "Manhattan Merry-Go-Round," "Heaven?," "I Owe You," and "It's Round-up Time in Reno."
Insights
Plot Summary
A struggling bandleader sees his career take off when he meets a wealthy socialite. However, their budding romance is complicated by his ambition, her family's disapproval, and a jealous rival. The film follows their journey through the vibrant, competitive world of 1930s big band music and high society.
Critical Reception
Manhattan Merry-Go-Round was met with a generally lukewarm reception. Critics often found the plot predictable and the musical numbers somewhat uninspired, though some acknowledged the energetic performances and the lively atmosphere of the era depicted.
What Reviewers Say
- The musical numbers are energetic but lack originality.
- The romantic plot is a familiar trope, offering little surprise.
- Performances are adequate, but don't elevate the material significantly.
Google audience: Audience reception is not widely documented.
Fun Fact
The film features several popular big bands of the era, including those led by Ted Fio Rito himself, and also includes performances by Count Basie and his orchestra, and Gene Krupa and his orchestra.
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