52nd Street (1937)
A swinging slice of 1930s New York, where jazz, comedy, and nightclub glamour collide on the city's most legendary block.
52nd Street - Movie Information
- Release Year: 1937
- Directed by: Harold Young
- Type: Movie
- Genres: Music, Comedy, Drama
- Age Rating (US): NR
- Runtime: 1h 20m
- Original Language: English
- Spoken Languages: English
- Release Date (Theatrical): November 19, 1937 (United States - NR)
- Production Companies: Walter Wanger Productions
- Production Countries: United States of America
52nd Street - Plot
The story of how 52nd Street became New York City's "Nightclub Row" in the 1930s.
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52nd Street - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- Harold Young
Main Cast
- Ian Hunter
- Pat Paterson
- Leo Carrillo
- Ella Logan
- Zasu Pitts
- Jack White
- Marla Shelton
- Collette Lyons
- Dorothy Peterson
- Kenny Baker
Writers
- Sid Silvers
- Grover Jones
Producers
- Walter Wanger
52nd Street - FAQs
What is 52nd Street about?
52nd Street tells the story of how a single block in New York City transformed into the legendary "Nightclub Row" during the 1930s swing era. The film blends comedy and drama with live musical performances, capturing the energy and glamour of the city's jazz and nightclub scene at its peak.
Who are the main actors in 52nd Street?
The cast features Ian Hunter as Rufus Rondell, Pat Paterson as Margaret Rondell, Leo Carrillo as Fiorello Zamarelli, Ella Logan as Betty, Zasu Pitts as Letitia Rondell, and Kenny Baker as 'Benny' Zamarelli, among others.
When was 52nd Street released?
52nd Street opened in theaters on November 19, 1937, in the United States. Produced by Walter Wanger Productions, it arrived during the golden age of Hollywood musicals and captured the swinging nightclub atmosphere that made the real 52nd Street so iconic.
Who directed 52nd Street?
Harold Young directed 52nd Street. Known for his work in 1930s Hollywood, Young brought the vibrant world of New York's nightclub scene to life, blending musical performances with a comedic and dramatic storyline that showcased the era's swing culture.
Was the real 52nd Street actually a nightclub hub?
Absolutely. The real West 52nd Street in Manhattan was genuinely nicknamed "Swing Street" or "Nightclub Row" during the 1930s and 1940s. It hosted legendary jazz clubs like the Famous Door and the Three Deuces, making it the heartbeat of the American swing and jazz scene.
What genre is 52nd Street?
52nd Street blends Music, Comedy, and Drama into a lively pre-war Hollywood package. It's part musical showcase, part screwball comedy, and part romantic drama — a mix that was very much in vogue during the late 1930s, when swing music dominated American popular culture.
Who composed the music for 52nd Street?
The score was composed by Alfred Newman, one of Hollywood's most celebrated and prolific composers of the golden era. Newman's musical direction helped give the film its authentic swing-era atmosphere, complementing the live performances and nightclub setting at the heart of the story.
What are some similar movies to 52nd Street?
If you enjoy 52nd Street, you might also like Aline (2021), Feel the Beat (2020), Kitchen Brigade (2022), and Drumline: A New Beat (2014). These films share a similar spirit — music, passion, and performance at their core — making them great picks for fans of feel-good musical stories.
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