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Bowery to Broadway

Bowery to Broadway is a 1944 American film starring Maria Montez, Jack Oakie, and Susanna Foster. Donald O'Connor and Peggy Ryan also had a small specialty act, and it was the only film they were in together where they did not have a name or character.

The movie was made to showcase the singing talent at Universal. Montez only has a small role.[2]

Cast

Production

In June 1943 John Grant, who normally wrote for Abbott and Costello, was assigned to produce a film to cover the history of Broadway.[3] It was going to be called Hip Hip Hooray and was budgeted at $1 million and shot in color. Edmund Joseph and Bart Lyton were assigned to do the script.[4] In December 1943 it was announced Arthur Lubin would direct.[5]

Filming started 1 May 1944.[6] It was a rare non "exotic" role for Maria Montez.[7]

Selected Songs

  • "Under the Bamboo Tree"
  • "Yip-I-Addy-I-Ay"
  • "Wait Till the Sun Shines, Nelly"
  • "My Song of Romance"
  • "Montevideo"
  • "He Took Her for a Sleighride in the Good Old Summertime" - with Donald O'Connor and Peggy Ryan
  • "There'll Always Be a Moon" - sung by Susanna Foster
  • "Under the Bamboo Tree" - sung by Louise Allbritton as Lillian Russell

References

  1. ^ Dick, Bernard K. (2015). City of Dreams: The Making and Remaking of Universal Pictures. University Press of Kentucky. p. 125. ISBN 9780813158891.
  2. ^ Bowery to Broadway at Maria Montez Fan Page
  3. ^ "Producer Writer". Variety. 30 June 1943. p. 54.
  4. ^ "U'S Showbiz Cavalcade Budgeted for a Million". Variety. 30 June 1943. p. 6.
  5. ^ "Waggner Doubles Up". Variety. 29 December 1943. p. 4.
  6. ^ Metro to Split Garson, Pidgeon Combination: 'The Bullfighter,' Latin-American Yarn, Chosen as Subject for Laurel and Hardy Schallert, Edwin. Los Angeles Times 22 Apr 1944: 5.
  7. ^ Montez-Hall Duo Again in 'Queen of the Nile': Story Called 'Twice Blessed' Secured as Starring Subject for Wilde Twins Schallert, Edwin. Los Angeles Times 10 May 1944: A11.