42nd Street (1933)

In the bustling world of Broadway, hardened director Julian Marsh grapples with his failing health while undertaking a challenging task - to orchestrate a new musical revue, Pretty Lady. The show is bankrolled by affluent Abner Dillon, with the sole purpose of spotlighting his girlfriend, the enchanting songstress Dorothy Brock. Marsh, known for his relentless demand for excellence, conducts gruelling auditions alongside his stage manager, Andy Lee. They cast a vibrant ensemble, including Lee's gold-digger girlfriend Loraine Fleming, the alluring Anytime Annie, and the fresh-faced Peggy Sawyer. As the ambitious young Billy Lawler, the play's juvenile lead, falls for Peggy, she finds herself drawn to Pat Denning, Dorothy's lover and former partner. Tired of living under the weight of Dorothy's fame, Pat retreats to Philadelphia, coincidentally where Pretty Lady is set for its out-of-town opening. The eve before the crucial opening, tensions boil over at the cast party. Dorothy, fuelled by alcohol, clashes with Pat, resulting in a severely sprained ankle. As the curtain rises, Peggy, after enduring a gruelling rehearsal under Marsh's stern hand, steps into Dorothy's spotlight. An overnight sensation, Peggy's rise to stardom is as swift as it is dazzling, leading her to a newfound realization - her heart truly belongs to Billy. Meanwhile, Dorothy concedes to her desire for a life away from the limelight, longing to retire and marry Pat. As the final curtain falls, Marsh's dire financial situation finds relief in the success of the show, albeit overshadowed by Peggy's unexpected stardom. In the mesmerizing whirlwind of 42nd Street, dreams are made and broken, love is found and lost, and stars are born under the shimmering marquee lights of Broadway.

42nd Street is a comedy movie featuring Dick Powell.

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