Meet Me on Broadway

I don't know where we would be without TCM. Turner shows us a lot of movies that are obscure and have no hope of ever surfacing on DVD. This film isn't even mentioned in Leonard Maltin's TV Movies and Video Guide, so this vehicle is REALLY obscure. Because of these things, this film doesn't stand a chance at being touted by todays marketing people. However, these films offer us a glimpse of life past, of certain values and lifestyles that may appear "corny" to us today.

This movie has a lot to offer; the music is catchy and well orchestrated. There is also a well choreographed dance routine by three guys And, most important, director Leigh Jason had the right tools in regard to a cast. Much traveled Marjorie Reynolds plays Ann Stallings. Reynolds, a gorgeous, curvy blonde with brown eyes is best known for her performance in Holiday Inn (1942) with Bing Crosby and Fred Astaire. Almost exclusively appearing in B- films, Reynolds made a splash in Paramount's Holiday Inn. She sings and dances just as well in Meet Me on Broadway.

The film is supported by long time actor Allen Jenkins (loaned out by Warner Brothers), Gene Lockhart, known for his villainous and conniving roles as a character actor, but appearing quite tame in this film. Also, there's Spring Byington, another busy actress from the 1930's and '40's. Little known and little used Fred Brady is placed in a principal role as Eddie Dolan. Brady is sort of a Danny Kaye wannabe as demonstrated in both his actions and speech. I feel that this was a major mistake by Columbia as his role appears weak throughout the film. Brady only made a handful of films and quickly went into obscurity several years later.

This film was completed in late 1945 and a welcome site for many moviegoers who were weary of war-related plots. The going theme during this period was "Peace, it's wonderful!". The many trials and tribulations for America were yet to come, so this brief period of time was a respite between the most destructive war in history and what was to follow in the next few years.