Knickerbocker Holiday (1944)
A spirited period musical-comedy set in colonial New Amsterdam, where a fearless publisher and a despotic governor clash over justice — and the same woman.
Knickerbocker Holiday - Movie Information
- Original Title: Knickerbocker Holiday
- Release Year: 1944
- Directed by: Harry Joe Brown
- Type: Movie
- Genres: Music, Comedy, History
- Age Rating (US): NR
- Runtime: 1h 25m
- Original Language: English
- Spoken Languages: English
- Release Date (Theatrical): March 17, 1944 (United States - NR)
- Production Companies: Producers Corporation of America
- Production Countries: United States of America
Knickerbocker Holiday - Plot
The wild and woolly early days of New York -- when it was still known as New Amsterdam -- provide the backdrop for this period musical-comedy. In 1650, Peter Stuyvesant arrives in New Amsterdam to assume his duties as governor. Stuyvesant is hardly the fun-loving type, and one of his first official acts is to call for the death of Brom Broeck, a newspaper publisher well-known for his fearless exposés of police and government corruption. However, Broeck hasn't done anything that would justify the death penalty, so Stuyvesant waits (without much patience) for Broeck to step out of line. Broeck is romancing a beautiful woman named Tina Tienhoven, whose sister Ulda happens to be dating his best friend, Ten Pin. After Stuyvesant's men toss Broeck in jail on a trumped-up charge, Stuyvesant sets his sights on winning Tina's affections.
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Knickerbocker Holiday - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- Harry Joe Brown
Main Cast
- Nelson Eddy
- Charles Coburn
- Constance Dowling
- Ernest Cossart
- Shelley Winters
- Johnnie Davis
- Percy Kilbride
- Otto Kruger
- Fritz Feld
- Richard Hale
Writers
- Harold Goldman
- David Boehm
- Rowland Leigh
- Maxwell Anderson
Producers
- Harry Joe Brown
Knickerbocker Holiday - FAQs
What is Knickerbocker Holiday about?
Knickerbocker Holiday is a period musical-comedy set in 1650 New Amsterdam (present-day New York). It follows Brom Broeck, a bold newspaper publisher targeted by the tyrannical new governor Peter Stuyvesant, who also competes with Broeck for the affections of a young woman named Tina Tienhoven.
Where can I watch Knickerbocker Holiday?
Knickerbocker Holiday (1944) is a classic film with limited mainstream streaming availability. You can check current streaming, rental, and purchase options for your region by visiting JustWatch, which aggregates up-to-date availability across major platforms.
Is Knickerbocker Holiday based on a Broadway musical?
Yes. Knickerbocker Holiday is adapted from the 1938 Broadway musical of the same name, with a book and lyrics by Maxwell Anderson and music by Kurt Weill. The stage production is best remembered for introducing the song “September Song,” which became a jazz and pop standard.
Who are the main actors in Knickerbocker Holiday?
The film stars Nelson Eddy as Brom Broeck and Charles Coburn as the imperious Governor Peter Stuyvesant. The supporting cast includes Constance Dowling as Tina Tienhoven, Shelley Winters in an early role as Ulda Tienhoven, Johnnie Davis, Percy Kilbride, and Otto Kruger.
Who directed Knickerbocker Holiday?
Knickerbocker Holiday was directed by Harry Joe Brown, who also served as producer on the film. It was produced by Producers Corporation of America and released theatrically in the United States on March 17, 1944.
Does Knickerbocker Holiday feature the song September Song?
Yes. “September Song,” one of the most celebrated numbers from the original Broadway production, is performed in the film by Charles Coburn as Governor Peter Stuyvesant. The song, composed by Kurt Weill with lyrics by Maxwell Anderson, became an enduring American standard.
What is the age rating for Knickerbocker Holiday?
Knickerbocker Holiday carries a rating of NR (Not Rated), which is typical for films produced before the modern MPAA rating system was established. As a lighthearted period musical-comedy, the content is generally suitable for a broad family audience.
How long is Knickerbocker Holiday?
Knickerbocker Holiday has a runtime of 85 minutes, making it a concise and briskly paced period musical. The film was released on March 17, 1944, in the United States by Producers Corporation of America.
More About Knickerbocker Holiday
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