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Set during the depression, this is the granddaddy of backstage musicals in which the understudy finally gets a chance to shine. It may seem a little cliché now, but in 1933 this was hot stuff. All that behind-the-scenes atmosphere feels very genuine, and the script is more acerbic than you might expect.

A sickly Julian Marsh (Warner Baxter) puts his all into what may be his last show, only to face a disaster when leading lady Dorothy Brock (Bebe Daniels) sprains her ankle. Thank heavens for ingenue Peggy Sawyer (Ruby Keeler), who steps in at the last minute. The vivacious soundtrack includes "Shuffle off to Buffalo," and the still-catchy title tune. Best of all are those extravagant, kaleidoscopic dance numbers by Busby Berkeley, then in his prime. --Rochelle O'Gorman ... Read more

Reviews (29)

Come And Hear The Beat Of Dancing Feet On "42nd Street"
"42nd Street" is truly one of the all-time great movie musicals. It was seen when first released, as a gritty back-stage look inside what "really" happens durning the preparations of a Broadway play.
What is truly amazing about this film, is after some 70 years, "42nd Street" is still a dazzler. It still possess such charm and elegance that to be honest, not even the Broadway musical could beat it!
"42nd Street" tells the story of a young novice chorus girl, Peggy Sawyer (Ruby Keeler) whom is trying to get in her first
Broadway play. She dreams of the bright lights of Broadway, and her name flashing high above. Sawyer will go into that play a youngster and has to come back a star. "42nd Street" throws in a lot of sub-plots dealing with most of it's main characters who include; Bebe Daniels, George Brent, Dick Powell, Ginger Rogers (Before she got her big break that same year in "Flyin' Down to Rio w\ a then unknown Fred Astaire!), Una Merkel, Guy Kibbee and of course Warner Baxter who plays Julian Marsh, the director of the play. But, none of these sub-plots throw the film off-track. They merely give the film more "color". By the end of the film all the sub-plots coincide with one another.
Another star of the movie I forgot to mention is of course the music itself composed by Harry Warren. The songs include; "You're Getting To Be A Habbit With Me", "Shuffle off to Buffalo", "Young & Healthy", and "42nd Street". It's in "42nd Street" that we see Ruby Keeler show us her steps. While many people today might not be impressed with it, there's something about her, that always holds my interest.
If you've never seen this film before, it really is a must. If you've already seen it, there's no harm in watching it again!
Bottom-line:This Oscar nominated musical is one of the best of it's day. Unforgettable songs, wonderful dancing by Ruby Keeler, and all around charm have made this film a classic!

After All These Years, 42nd Street Still Delivers
The breakthrough musical of 1933 is still a light and fun video to watch. Often remembered for being the first musical to incorporate a plot, 42nd Street dazzles with its lavish production numbers, especially the title song plus "Shufffle Off To Buffalo" and "You're Getting To Be A Habit With Me." Though the jokes may be corny and the sexual innuendoes stale by 21st century standards, I found myself laughing at loud and thoroughly enjoying the dazzling camera tricks and kaleidoscopic overhead shots. But one of the best treats of all was watching the greats from a bygone era performing at the peak of their careers. Warner Baxter is superb as the director desperate to produce a hit while Guy Kibbee shines as the lecherous producer. Bebe Daniels is memorable as the leading lady who twists her ankle on opening night and Ruby Keeler, in her movie debut, is the spunky girl plucked from the chorus line to save the show. Others in the all-star cast include Ginger Rogers, George Brent, Dick Powell, Allen Jenkins, and more.

42nd Street is definitely a toe-tapping good time that fans of movie musicals will enjoy.

very funny
this is one of my all time favorite movies. I think that the humor is wonderful, and the cast, sining and dancing are just fine. Ruby Keeler is simply adorable as Peggy Sawyer, Bebe Daniels is rightly used as the fading star, Warner Baxter, Ned Sparks, and Guy Kibbee make the most of their parts. Una Merkel is ducky as wisecracking Larraine, and a scene stealing Ginger Rogers is a gem. ALthough I loved her in dramatic roles, stright comedy, and with Fred Astaire, there's something about the way she examplifies a wisecracking-secondlead-chorine that is just so wonderful. I believe that this is one of Ginger's best performances, that goes for the whole cast. A similar film with mostly the same cast, (Ginger, Guy, Ned, Ruby, and Dick Powell, and chorus dancers) and the same famous Busby Berkeley overhead shots, watch Goldiggers of 1933. I think that these two are some of the funniest musicals ever made.

"Hear the beat of dancing feet..."
I just saw this movie last night. It is one of the best musicals I have ever seen. The songs are fantastic (except for 'I'm Young and Healthy') and the dances are mesmorising. I love the plot and how it shows the backstage life of Broadway plays. The plot does, however, fall short at times. The only thing that bothered me about this film was how abrupt the ending was. It just ends and leaves so many questions unanswered. Otherwise, this is a great movie.

This movie is "getting to be a habit with me"!
42nd STREET is an absolutely wonderful film! This landmark in the history of movie musicals remains fresh and timeless. Oscar- winner Warner Baxter leads a magnificent all-star cast as the director of the Broadway production PRETTY LADY. This film was a turning point in the careers of Dick Powell and Ginger Rogers. Ruby Keeler makes a strong impression in her debut and star-making role, but silent film star Bebe Daniels, as the tempermental leading lady who breaks her ankle on the eve of opening night, probably gives the best performance. The screenplay is structured, tight, and overflowing with delightful vignettes and observations about the theatre, while maintaining a perfect balance between comedy and surprisingly powerful drama. Busby Berkeley's stupendous choreography make the three finale numbers classics. Harry Warren's melodies and Al Dubin's lyrics are memorable in such standards as SHUFFLE OFF TO BUFFALO and YOUNG AND HEALTHY. Everything from the set decoration and costumes to the cinematography are perfect. This nostalgic piece of movie magic is among the greatest motion pictures ever produced. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Wholesome and a pure sense of humor. Light-hearted fun.
As you may know by now after seeing the first film of the series "Blondie", the films are wholesome and have a pure sense of humor. This second film "Blondie Meets The Boss" is just as funny as the first. If the Blondie films seem to be serious at times, please take it in light-hearted fun. Everything works out. Dagwood wears the apron this time. You might recognize the boy who plays "Alvin Fuddle". He is Danny Mummert. He played Baby Dumpling's pal beginning with the very first film, Blondie (1938), at the age of 4 until the last film, Beware of Blondie (1950), at the age of 16. Danny Mummert did 24 Blondie films in all. Mr. Mummert has not been in a film since 1956, but no doubt is enjoying his life of retirement. As always, the film ends with a happy ending and a smile on your face. Isn't Daisy a hoot? The next film in the series is BLONDIE TAKES A VACATION. ... Read more

Reviews (9)

Swiss Cheese
I read alot of reviews about this one and was hesitant to buy it. It turned out not to be so bad, too my surprise it wasn't as much of a musical as the reviews led me to believe. It had musical material but Laurel & Hardy were the key elements to the film right throughout. Laurel & Hardy have some very funny scenes...one of the highlights was Stan getting drunk & trying to move a Piano over a bridge. Overall this is an ok piece of Laurel & Hardy film...better then the twin brother feature in "Our Relations" but nowhere near as good as "Way Out West".

L&H Try to fit into this musical comedy.But it's a bad fit!
When Hal Roach began to try and create his own idea of big budget musicals? He felt that L&H should be placed into such a situation worthy of Louis B.Mayer's temple of Hollywood Musicals:MGM.

Hence!

The boys are sent to The Swiss Alps as unsuccessful moustrap salesmen.Who become involved in the conniving scheams
of a beautiful but wilful actress and singer in"Swiss Miss".

L&H try to provide comedy for this forgetable musical,but the film's plot centers more on the uneven relationship of Pompus stage musical showman and performer:
"Victor Albert"(Walter Wolf King) and his need to create and
produce a swiss opera without his wife "Anna"(Della Lind).

Ms.Lind's:"Anna"is not the type of person to take no
for an answer and she conspires to get a part in her husband's
show.So she eats a big meal,can't pay the bill and she is forced
to work at The hotel as a lowley maid.So her husband can notice her and give a part in his show.

She also plays on Poor Ollie's Southern gentillity and pretends to fall in love with him.Just to get her husband to
notice her.

She also has him dress her up as a gypsey girl.So that
"Anna"can perform at "The Alpine Fest"as a showcase for her
husband to see.

More and More..L&H are used in this film as comedy relief(Ala Abbott & Costello)to fill in the gaps inbetween
Mr.King's and Ms.Lind's bickering and their songs as well
as the tunes performed by the rest of the cast.Instead of
being given the oppertunity to perform their best bits.

They are some L&H gags that do appear in the film:The
boys trying to sell their collection of Rube Gioldbergish mouse-
traps to a grumpy cheese factory owner and his wife(played by Charlie Judeles..Who would go onto screen imortality two years
later as the voices of "Strombolli"and the fat,sadistic coachman of "Pleasure Island"in Walt Disney's feature length animated version of Carlo L.Collodi's:"Pinocchio!"and perrrenial
Oliver Hardy abusive wife:Daphne Pollard).Where Mr.Judeles buys the boy's worthless gimmicks with a bankroll of equally worthless Bovainian Francs.

The pair also have a frightful but hilarious second encounter with mean ape(Charlie Gamora),as they try to pre-
vent Mr.Gamora's Gorillia character from wreacking Mr.King's
piano and wreacking the rope bridge over the canyon.Which
could the boys and the ape to a deadly fall.

There is even a funny battle of witts between Stan Laurel
and a tough St.Bernard Dog.Whose keg of brandy becomes the target of Mr.Laurel's need for liquid refreshment.

Despite these three funny segments..Laurel & Hardy are
forced to give up their screentime to This moronic romantic/
musical subplot.A sad forshadowing of their even more for-
getable film work at MGM and Fox a decade later.

This is One L&H film not worth having in your video
collection!

Kevin S.Butler.

Playful, Great Family Movie
This is not the best L and H feature but some moments are unforgettable! If you are not familiar I reccomend Sons Of The Desert but when I saw Swiss Miss as a child I laughed for a week.

I agree with others that it is uneven and the boys don't get enough screen time, the romantic subplot is distracting ...

But watch Stanley with the Saint Bernard. It is a master shot . It is truly brilliant filmmaking. Sadly the rest of the feature does not support it. Still reccomended!

Laurel & Hardy encounter a gorilla in the Swiss Alps...
Laurel & Hardy are mousetrap salesmen working Switzerland since obviously it has a lot of mice because of all of that Swiss cheese. After their disastrous product demonstration at a classy hotel, the boys are put to work in the kitchen for a knife-wielding cook (Ludovico Tomarchio). The rule is every time they break another dish, the cook adds another day to their period of serviturde, marked out on a blackboard. Consequently, the boys are around for a local music festival and end up helping the feuding husband-and-wife singing team of Anna and Victor Albert (Della Lind and Walter Woolf King) save their troubled marriage.

"Swiss Miss," directed by John G. Blystone in 1938 for Hal Roach-MGM, is not one of the better Laurel & Hardy feature films. Too much time is devoted to the feuding couple, who are not very sympathetic figures and just take screen time away from the boys. The film does have the legendary sequence at the end where Laurel & Hardy are moving a piano across a trestle bridge only to encounter a gorilla. But the best sequence is when Stan tricks a St. Bernard into giving up his supply of rescue brandy. However, the film does continue the tradition of finding interesting new costumes (lederhosen) for the boys to wear.

The parts are greater than the whole, but fun for fans.
Laurel & Hardy visit Switzerland, where they become involved with a temperamental operatic composer and his singing-star wife. This isn't one of the team's better features, but it does contain some of the best-remembered Laurel & Hardy scenes (Stan trying to coax some brandy from a St. Bernard; Stan and Ollie moving a piano across an Alpine bridge, etc.). Fans will consider this worth a look. ... Read more

Reviews (29)

Come And Hear The Beat Of Dancing Feet On "42nd Street"
"42nd Street" is truly one of the all-time great movie musicals. It was seen when first released, as a gritty back-stage look inside what "really" happens durning the preparations of a Broadway play.
What is truly amazing about this film, is after some 70 years, "42nd Street" is still a dazzler. It still possess such charm and elegance that to be honest, not even the Broadway musical could beat it!
"42nd Street" tells the story of a young novice chorus girl, Peggy Sawyer (Ruby Keeler) whom is trying to get in her first
Broadway play. She dreams of the bright lights of Broadway, and her name flashing high above. Sawyer will go into that play a youngster and has to come back a star. "42nd Street" throws in a lot of sub-plots dealing with most of it's main characters who include; Bebe Daniels, George Brent, Dick Powell, Ginger Rogers (Before she got her big break that same year in "Flyin' Down to Rio w\ a then unknown Fred Astaire!), Una Merkel, Guy Kibbee and of course Warner Baxter who plays Julian Marsh, the director of the play. But, none of these sub-plots throw the film off-track. They merely give the film more "color". By the end of the film all the sub-plots coincide with one another.
Another star of the movie I forgot to mention is of course the music itself composed by Harry Warren. The songs include; "You're Getting To Be A Habbit With Me", "Shuffle off to Buffalo", "Young & Healthy", and "42nd Street". It's in "42nd Street" that we see Ruby Keeler show us her steps. While many people today might not be impressed with it, there's something about her, that always holds my interest.
If you've never seen this film before, it really is a must. If you've already seen it, there's no harm in watching it again!
Bottom-line:This Oscar nominated musical is one of the best of it's day. Unforgettable songs, wonderful dancing by Ruby Keeler, and all around charm have made this film a classic!

After All These Years, 42nd Street Still Delivers
The breakthrough musical of 1933 is still a light and fun video to watch. Often remembered for being the first musical to incorporate a plot, 42nd Street dazzles with its lavish production numbers, especially the title song plus "Shufffle Off To Buffalo" and "You're Getting To Be A Habit With Me." Though the jokes may be corny and the sexual innuendoes stale by 21st century standards, I found myself laughing at loud and thoroughly enjoying the dazzling camera tricks and kaleidoscopic overhead shots. But one of the best treats of all was watching the greats from a bygone era performing at the peak of their careers. Warner Baxter is superb as the director desperate to produce a hit while Guy Kibbee shines as the lecherous producer. Bebe Daniels is memorable as the leading lady who twists her ankle on opening night and Ruby Keeler, in her movie debut, is the spunky girl plucked from the chorus line to save the show. Others in the all-star cast include Ginger Rogers, George Brent, Dick Powell, Allen Jenkins, and more.

42nd Street is definitely a toe-tapping good time that fans of movie musicals will enjoy.

very funny
this is one of my all time favorite movies. I think that the humor is wonderful, and the cast, sining and dancing are just fine. Ruby Keeler is simply adorable as Peggy Sawyer, Bebe Daniels is rightly used as the fading star, Warner Baxter, Ned Sparks, and Guy Kibbee make the most of their parts. Una Merkel is ducky as wisecracking Larraine, and a scene stealing Ginger Rogers is a gem. ALthough I loved her in dramatic roles, stright comedy, and with Fred Astaire, there's something about the way she examplifies a wisecracking-secondlead-chorine that is just so wonderful. I believe that this is one of Ginger's best performances, that goes for the whole cast. A similar film with mostly the same cast, (Ginger, Guy, Ned, Ruby, and Dick Powell, and chorus dancers) and the same famous Busby Berkeley overhead shots, watch Goldiggers of 1933. I think that these two are some of the funniest musicals ever made.

"Hear the beat of dancing feet..."
I just saw this movie last night. It is one of the best musicals I have ever seen. The songs are fantastic (except for 'I'm Young and Healthy') and the dances are mesmorising. I love the plot and how it shows the backstage life of Broadway plays. The plot does, however, fall short at times. The only thing that bothered me about this film was how abrupt the ending was. It just ends and leaves so many questions unanswered. Otherwise, this is a great movie.

This movie is "getting to be a habit with me"!
42nd STREET is an absolutely wonderful film! This landmark in the history of movie musicals remains fresh and timeless. Oscar- winner Warner Baxter leads a magnificent all-star cast as the director of the Broadway production PRETTY LADY. This film was a turning point in the careers of Dick Powell and Ginger Rogers. Ruby Keeler makes a strong impression in her debut and star-making role, but silent film star Bebe Daniels, as the tempermental leading lady who breaks her ankle on the eve of opening night, probably gives the best performance. The screenplay is structured, tight, and overflowing with delightful vignettes and observations about the theatre, while maintaining a perfect balance between comedy and surprisingly powerful drama. Busby Berkeley's stupendous choreography make the three finale numbers classics. Harry Warren's melodies and Al Dubin's lyrics are memorable in such standards as SHUFFLE OFF TO BUFFALO and YOUNG AND HEALTHY. Everything from the set decoration and costumes to the cinematography are perfect. This nostalgic piece of movie magic is among the greatest motion pictures ever produced. ... Read more

Reviews (29)

Come And Hear The Beat Of Dancing Feet On "42nd Street"
"42nd Street" is truly one of the all-time great movie musicals. It was seen when first released, as a gritty back-stage look inside what "really" happens durning the preparations of a Broadway play.
What is truly amazing about this film, is after some 70 years, "42nd Street" is still a dazzler. It still possess such charm and elegance that to be honest, not even the Broadway musical could beat it!
"42nd Street" tells the story of a young novice chorus girl, Peggy Sawyer (Ruby Keeler) whom is trying to get in her first
Broadway play. She dreams of the bright lights of Broadway, and her name flashing high above. Sawyer will go into that play a youngster and has to come back a star. "42nd Street" throws in a lot of sub-plots dealing with most of it's main characters who include; Bebe Daniels, George Brent, Dick Powell, Ginger Rogers (Before she got her big break that same year in "Flyin' Down to Rio w\ a then unknown Fred Astaire!), Una Merkel, Guy Kibbee and of course Warner Baxter who plays Julian Marsh, the director of the play. But, none of these sub-plots throw the film off-track. They merely give the film more "color". By the end of the film all the sub-plots coincide with one another.
Another star of the movie I forgot to mention is of course the music itself composed by Harry Warren. The songs include; "You're Getting To Be A Habbit With Me", "Shuffle off to Buffalo", "Young & Healthy", and "42nd Street". It's in "42nd Street" that we see Ruby Keeler show us her steps. While many people today might not be impressed with it, there's something about her, that always holds my interest.
If you've never seen this film before, it really is a must. If you've already seen it, there's no harm in watching it again!
Bottom-line:This Oscar nominated musical is one of the best of it's day. Unforgettable songs, wonderful dancing by Ruby Keeler, and all around charm have made this film a classic!

After All These Years, 42nd Street Still Delivers
The breakthrough musical of 1933 is still a light and fun video to watch. Often remembered for being the first musical to incorporate a plot, 42nd Street dazzles with its lavish production numbers, especially the title song plus "Shufffle Off To Buffalo" and "You're Getting To Be A Habit With Me." Though the jokes may be corny and the sexual innuendoes stale by 21st century standards, I found myself laughing at loud and thoroughly enjoying the dazzling camera tricks and kaleidoscopic overhead shots. But one of the best treats of all was watching the greats from a bygone era performing at the peak of their careers. Warner Baxter is superb as the director desperate to produce a hit while Guy Kibbee shines as the lecherous producer. Bebe Daniels is memorable as the leading lady who twists her ankle on opening night and Ruby Keeler, in her movie debut, is the spunky girl plucked from the chorus line to save the show. Others in the all-star cast include Ginger Rogers, George Brent, Dick Powell, Allen Jenkins, and more.

42nd Street is definitely a toe-tapping good time that fans of movie musicals will enjoy.

very funny
this is one of my all time favorite movies. I think that the humor is wonderful, and the cast, sining and dancing are just fine. Ruby Keeler is simply adorable as Peggy Sawyer, Bebe Daniels is rightly used as the fading star, Warner Baxter, Ned Sparks, and Guy Kibbee make the most of their parts. Una Merkel is ducky as wisecracking Larraine, and a scene stealing Ginger Rogers is a gem. ALthough I loved her in dramatic roles, stright comedy, and with Fred Astaire, there's something about the way she examplifies a wisecracking-secondlead-chorine that is just so wonderful. I believe that this is one of Ginger's best performances, that goes for the whole cast. A similar film with mostly the same cast, (Ginger, Guy, Ned, Ruby, and Dick Powell, and chorus dancers) and the same famous Busby Berkeley overhead shots, watch Goldiggers of 1933. I think that these two are some of the funniest musicals ever made.

"Hear the beat of dancing feet..."
I just saw this movie last night. It is one of the best musicals I have ever seen. The songs are fantastic (except for 'I'm Young and Healthy') and the dances are mesmorising. I love the plot and how it shows the backstage life of Broadway plays. The plot does, however, fall short at times. The only thing that bothered me about this film was how abrupt the ending was. It just ends and leaves so many questions unanswered. Otherwise, this is a great movie.

This movie is "getting to be a habit with me"!
42nd STREET is an absolutely wonderful film! This landmark in the history of movie musicals remains fresh and timeless. Oscar- winner Warner Baxter leads a magnificent all-star cast as the director of the Broadway production PRETTY LADY. This film was a turning point in the careers of Dick Powell and Ginger Rogers. Ruby Keeler makes a strong impression in her debut and star-making role, but silent film star Bebe Daniels, as the tempermental leading lady who breaks her ankle on the eve of opening night, probably gives the best performance. The screenplay is structured, tight, and overflowing with delightful vignettes and observations about the theatre, while maintaining a perfect balance between comedy and surprisingly powerful drama. Busby Berkeley's stupendous choreography make the three finale numbers classics. Harry Warren's melodies and Al Dubin's lyrics are memorable in such standards as SHUFFLE OFF TO BUFFALO and YOUNG AND HEALTHY. Everything from the set decoration and costumes to the cinematography are perfect. This nostalgic piece of movie magic is among the greatest motion pictures ever produced. ... Read more