Broadway Melody of 1938 (1937)

A racehorse leads the way to love, wealth, and the Broadway stage.

When two vaudeville hoofers are short on cash, they decide to become the trainers for the Whipple's celebrated horse, Stargazer. In order to get to the next race, the pair tells their barbers that they'll bet on a sure fire win--Fast Asleep. Fast Asleep wins when Whipple's Stargazer has an injury during the big race. While trying to mend the horse's sprain, Sonny (George Murphy) is interupted by Sally (Eleanor Powell), Stargazer's prior owner. Shocked by the familiarity and experience Sally has with the horse--and then again to find her on the train back to New York, Sonny allows her to stay on the boxcar. While trying to figure out what to do next, the trio is discovered by Bob Steve Raleigh (Robert Taylor), a Broadway producer who is also working for the Whipples--and whom takes an immediate interest in Sally for his new show.

Everyone adores Sally except Mrs. Whipple, who allows the young girl to buy her beloved Stargazer when she places him on auction. The producer places at a boarding house for performers which is run by an old timer (Sophie Tucker) and her young daughter (Judy Garland) and manages to make her the lead of his Broadway show. As Sally has nothing--she is able to pay for the horse with a little help from her friends, but this puts Raleigh in danger of losing his backing from the Whipples. Sonny and Peter also stay around to rehabilitate the horse and enter him in another race to help put on the show.

All of the leads bring in brilliant performances. Epsen, Powell, and Murphy make a charming trio. Garland and Tucker are what legends are made of.

Garland Performances

Yours and Mine
Music by Nacio Herb Brown
Lyrics by Arthur Freed
Performed by Judy Garland
Danced to by Judy Garland and Buddy Ebsen

Everybody Sing
Music by Nacio Herb Brown
Lyrics by Arthur Freed
Performed by Judy Garland, Sophie Tucker, Barnett Parker, Delos Jewkes and chorus

I'm Feelin' Like a Million
Music by Nacio Herb Brown
Lyrics by Arthur Freed
Garland solo recording cut from film

You Made Me Love You (I Didn't Want to Do It)
Music by James V. Monaco
Lyrics by Joseph McCarthy and additional lyrics by Roger Edens
Danced to by George Murphy, Eleanor Powell, Buddy Ebsen and Judy Garland
Garland solo recording cut from film

Recordings

(Dear Mr. Gable) You Made Me Love You
Recording Date: Septemeber 24, 1937
Label: Brunswick

Everybody Sing
Recording Dates: March 5, 1937 and June 12, 1937
Label: MGM Records

Yours And Mine
Recording Date: April 16, 1937
Label: MGM Records

Your Broadway And My Broadway
Recording Date: March 14, 1937
Label: MGM Records

Reviews

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Availability

 

Resources

Broadway Melody of 1938 on IMDb

Fast Facts

  • George Murphy said in his autobiography that the "Feelin' Like a Million" number was one of the first to be shot in parts.
  • "Dear Mr. Gable" was written for Judy to sing at Clark Gable's birthday party and was so well recieved it was placed in the film.

Lines to Remember

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