Movie spotlight
The 42nd Street Special
As part of a publicity campaign for the film 42nd Street (1933), Warner Bros. Pictures, with the assistance of the General Electric Corporation, assembled a 7-car gold- and silver-plated train they called "The 42nd. Street Special". With numerous Warner Bros. contract stars as passengers, the train made a tour across the USA. It was scheduled to make stops in more than 100 cities, ending in Washington, D.C. for the March 1933 inauguration of Franklin D. Roosevelt. This short film records the send-off for this trip from Los Angeles' Santa Fe Station. Using a microphone set up on the rear platform of the last car, several people addressed the crowd attending the event. Those making remarks include performers, studio executives, and the mayor of Los Angeles.
Insights
Plot Summary
A ruthless Broadway producer, Julian Marsh, is determined to get his new show, 'Pretty Lady,' to open on time, despite numerous setbacks and health issues. He falls for the show's young, ambitious chorus girl, Peggy Sawyer, who he pushes to stardom. The production faces sabotage from a jealous rival and the constant pressure of opening night.
Critical Reception
The 42nd Street Special, a lavish musical production, was a significant critical and commercial success upon its release. Praised for its energetic choreography, catchy songs, and engaging backstage drama, it revitalized the musical genre during the Great Depression. It is widely considered a classic of its era and a benchmark for backstage musicals.
What Reviewers Say
A spectacular and energetic musical that revitalized the genre.
Praised for its groundbreaking choreography and memorable musical numbers.
The backstage drama and rags-to-riches story were highly engaging for audiences.
Google audience: Google user ratings are not readily available for this classic film.
Awards & Accolades
None notable, though it was influential in its genre.
Fun Fact
Busby Berkeley's groundbreaking and elaborate musical numbers, featuring kaleidoscopic patterns of dancers, were a defining feature of the film and influenced countless musicals that followed.
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