52nd Street
52nd Street

Movie spotlight

52nd Street

1937
Movie
80 min
English

The story of how 52nd Street became New York City's "Nightclub Row" in the 1930s.

Insights

IMDb6.3/10
Director: Harry LachmanGenres: Crime, Drama, Music

Plot Summary

A group of struggling musicians and showgirls navigate the vibrant and often gritty world of New York City's 52nd Street in the 1930s. They face financial hardship and personal struggles as they strive to make their mark in the competitive entertainment industry. The narrative explores their dreams, romances, and the challenges of survival in the city's underbelly.

Critical Reception

While not a major critical success, "52nd Street" received some attention for its depiction of the era and its musical numbers. Critics noted its ambition in portraying the lives of artists but often found the plot to be somewhat uneven. Audience reception was generally modest, with appreciation for the period setting and performances.

What Reviewers Say

  • Praised for its atmospheric depiction of 1930s New York and its jazz-infused soundtrack.

  • Some critics found the storylines to be a bit disjointed, lacking a strong narrative focus.

  • Performances were generally seen as adequate, capturing the spirit of the era.

Google audience: Information on Google user reviews is not readily available for this older film.

Fun Fact

The film was based on a story by Richard English and features performances by several notable jazz musicians of the era, though their specific contributions were not always credited individually.

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