Somewhat Secret (1939)
A 1939 MGM musical comedy short where a finishing school dean's strict no-swing rule collides with a very inconvenient secret.
Somewhat Secret - Movie Information
Somewhat Secret - Plot
At the Dimsdale Hall Finishing School, Assistant Dean Emily Godsall declares that any student who associates herself with swing music will be severely punished. Complications develop when she finds out that her boyfriend, a chemistry professor at the school, is also a well-known swing bandleader.
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Somewhat Secret - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- Sammy Lee
Main Cast
- Mary Howard
- Benny Rubin
- Tom Collins
- Mary Bovard
- Phillip Terry
- Billy Wayne
Writers
- Mort Greene
- Julian Harmon
Somewhat Secret - FAQs
What is Somewhat Secret about?
Somewhat Secret is a 1939 MGM musical comedy short set at the Dimsdale Hall Finishing School, where the uptight Assistant Dean Emily Godsall forbids swing music — only to discover that her own boyfriend, a chemistry professor, moonlights as a celebrated swing bandleader. Chaos and comedy follow.
Who are the main actors in Somewhat Secret?
The cast is led by Mary Howard as the stern Assistant Dean Emily Godsall, Benny Rubin as the Swingopater Trombonist, and Tom Collins as Benjamin 'Barrelhouse Benny' Barnes. Mary Bovard, Phillip Terry, and Billy Wayne round out the ensemble in this lively short film.
When was Somewhat Secret released?
Somewhat Secret was released on March 29, 1939, in the United States. It was produced by Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer as part of the studio's popular series of musical short subjects during Hollywood's golden age of the late 1930s.
Who directed Somewhat Secret?
Somewhat Secret was directed by Sammy Lee, a choreographer and director known for his work on MGM musical shorts during the 1930s and 1940s. The screenplay was written by Mort Greene and Julian Harmon, and the film was shot by cinematographer Paul Vogel.
How long is Somewhat Secret?
Somewhat Secret runs for approximately 21 minutes, making it a short film rather than a feature-length production. It was typical of MGM's musical short subjects of the era, designed to entertain audiences before the main feature presentation.
What genre is Somewhat Secret?
Somewhat Secret blends Music and Comedy into a breezy, upbeat short film. It captures the infectious energy of the late-1930s swing era, mixing comedic misunderstandings with lively musical performances — a fun snapshot of a cultural moment when swing music was sweeping America.
What movies are similar to Somewhat Secret?
If you enjoy Somewhat Secret, you might like other swing-era shorts and musical comedies such as Public Jitterbug No. 1 (1938), Every Sunday (1936), Hoosier Holiday (1943), Double Deal (1939), and A Very Young Lady (1941) — all sharing that same spirited, music-driven charm.
What themes does Somewhat Secret explore?
At its heart, Somewhat Secret playfully explores the cultural clash between stuffy authority and the irresistible freedom of swing music. The jitterbug, finishing school propriety, and secret double lives all collide in a lighthearted comedy that reflects the generational tensions of late-1930s America.
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