broadway melody of 1938

the year: 1937

the genre: musical


the cast: Robert Taylor (Steve Raleigh); Eleanor Powell (Sally Lee); George Murphy (Sonny Ledford); Buddy Ebsen (Peter Trot); Sophie Tucker (Alice Clayton); Judy Garland (Betty Clayton)


the plot: Steve Raleigh wants to produce a show on Broadway. He finds a backer, Herman Whipple and a leading lady, Sally Lee. But Caroline Whipple forces Steve to use a known star, not a newcomer. Sally purchases a horse she used to train when her parents had a farm before the depression and with two ex-vaudevillians, she trains it to win a race, providing the money Steve needs for his show.


don't miss: Peter Trot, the jockey.

listen for: "Is he deaf?" "Well, he was the last time when I asked him for a raise."



did you know: The song "Dear Mr. Gable" was a birthday present for Clark Gable's 36th birthday. Composer and arranger Roger Edens adapted the old song "You Made Me Love You" by James V. Monaco. It was sung at Gable's birthday party by a young Judy Garland. Producer Louis B. Mayer was so impressed by it, that he gave order to let Garland sing it again in the next great musical MGM was going to produce.

the one and only, genuine, original family band

the year: 1968

the genre: musical


the cast: Walter Brennan (Grandpa Bower); Buddy Ebsen (Calvin Bower); Lesley Ann Warren (Alice Bower); John Davidson (Joe Carder); Kurt Russell (Sidney Bower)


the plot: In 1888, Grandpa Bower - a passionate Democrat - heads a family band who he hopes will be able to perform at the convention for Grover Cleveland's presidential campaign in St. Louis. The twist is that Grandpa's son Calvin is a Republican. So is Joe Carder, an outspoken young charmer who has his eyes on the eldest Bower daughter Alice. Carder speaks with passion about southern Dakota and its quest for statehood. What will happen once Carder convinces the Bower family to move on out to Dakota?


don't miss: John Davidson's dimples.




watch for: Goldie Hawn's enthusiastic movie debut as The Giggly Girl. She and Kurt Russell met during filming.



also don't miss: the food fight/moustache painting that goes on between those who endorse "statesmanship" and "politics".



did you know: Bing Crosby was originally offered the Grandpa Bower role, but he wanted a percentage of the box office receipts.





extra bonus points: if you know which famous musician released "'Bout Time" and "Ten Feet Off the Ground" on an album.





did you also know: that the project was originally intended to be a 2-part television movie and was expanded to feature film status.