Gold Diggers of 1933
(1933)
90 or 96 mins | Musical comedy | 27 May 1933
Director:
Mervyn LeRoyWriters:
Erwin Gelsey, James SeymourCinematographer:
Sol PolitoEditor:
George AmyProduction Designer:
Anton GrotProduction Company:
Warner Bros. Pictures, Inc.The film's working title was High Life. The film was one of the top grossing films of 1933. Warner Bros. files indicate that George Brent was considered for the Warren William role. According to modern sources, the stage was lifted forty feet in order to achieve sweeping shots. The Long Beach earthquake took place during the production, short-circuiting the women playing neon violins. According to modern sources, Joan Blondell's voice was dubbed by black singer Etta Moten in the "Remember the Forgotten Man" number. Modern sources list Dave O'Brien (Chorus Boy) and Wilbur Mack (Society reporter) in the cast. Avery Hopwood's play was first filmed by David Belasco for Warner Bros. in 1923 as The Gold Diggers, starring Hope Hampton and Wyndham Standing and directed by Harry Beaumont. In 1929, Warner Bros made a talking version entitled Gold Diggers of Broadway, which Roy Del Ruth directed. It starred Nancy Welford and Conway Tearle (see entries). Warner Bros. made several sequels: Gold Diggers of 1935, Gold Diggers of 1937 and Gold Diggers in Paris (see entries). ...
The film's working title was High Life. The film was one of the top grossing films of 1933. Warner Bros. files indicate that George Brent was considered for the Warren William role. According to modern sources, the stage was lifted forty feet in order to achieve sweeping shots. The Long Beach earthquake took place during the production, short-circuiting the women playing neon violins. According to modern sources, Joan Blondell's voice was dubbed by black singer Etta Moten in the "Remember the Forgotten Man" number. Modern sources list Dave O'Brien (Chorus Boy) and Wilbur Mack (Society reporter) in the cast. Avery Hopwood's play was first filmed by David Belasco for Warner Bros. in 1923 as The Gold Diggers, starring Hope Hampton and Wyndham Standing and directed by Harry Beaumont. In 1929, Warner Bros made a talking version entitled Gold Diggers of Broadway, which Roy Del Ruth directed. It starred Nancy Welford and Conway Tearle (see entries). Warner Bros. made several sequels: Gold Diggers of 1935, Gold Diggers of 1937 and Gold Diggers in Paris (see entries).
Carol King, Trixie Lorraine and Polly Parker, three out-of-work showgirls living together in a cheap New York City apartment, are down to their last pair of stockings when rival Fay Fortune informs them that Broadway producer Barney Hopkins is putting on a show. Carol brings Barney to the apartment, where the girls have gathered their friends, including Polly's boyfriend, Brad Roberts, an aspiring songwriter, to audition. After Barney hears the songs, he admits that he has no backers, but Brad offers to put up the money on the condition that Polly is featured in the show. Trixie and Carol are sure that Brad is broke and fear that he has stolen the money when he refuses to appear on stage. On opening night, Brad is forced to replace the juvenile. The musical is a success, but Brad is recognized as Robert Treat Bradford, the heir to a prominent Boston family's fortune. When the news breaks, Brad's brother Lawrence and the family banker, Faneuil H. Peabody, come to New York to stop Brad's career and plans to marry Polly. Matters are further complicated when Carol poses as Polly, pretending to be the gold digger whom Lawrence expects. Trixie also plays along and seduces Peabody. As Polly, Carol accepts Lawrence's pay-off not to marry Brad, but because she has fallen in love with him, admits her true identity. Lawrence realizes he is in love with Carol as well and changes his attitude about showgirls. Finally, Brad marries Polly, and Trixie weds ...
Carol King, Trixie Lorraine and Polly Parker, three out-of-work showgirls living together in a cheap New York City apartment, are down to their last pair of stockings when rival Fay Fortune informs them that Broadway producer Barney Hopkins is putting on a show. Carol brings Barney to the apartment, where the girls have gathered their friends, including Polly's boyfriend, Brad Roberts, an aspiring songwriter, to audition. After Barney hears the songs, he admits that he has no backers, but Brad offers to put up the money on the condition that Polly is featured in the show. Trixie and Carol are sure that Brad is broke and fear that he has stolen the money when he refuses to appear on stage. On opening night, Brad is forced to replace the juvenile. The musical is a success, but Brad is recognized as Robert Treat Bradford, the heir to a prominent Boston family's fortune. When the news breaks, Brad's brother Lawrence and the family banker, Faneuil H. Peabody, come to New York to stop Brad's career and plans to marry Polly. Matters are further complicated when Carol poses as Polly, pretending to be the gold digger whom Lawrence expects. Trixie also plays along and seduces Peabody. As Polly, Carol accepts Lawrence's pay-off not to marry Brad, but because she has fallen in love with him, admits her true identity. Lawrence realizes he is in love with Carol as well and changes his attitude about showgirls. Finally, Brad marries Polly, and Trixie weds Peabody.
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