Overview
A backstage musical extravaganza where dreams and romance collide on Broadway.
Ember's analysis
- Pacing
- Brisk
- Intensity
- Moderate
- Complexity
- Easy to follow
- Violence
- None
- witty
- buoyant
- energetic
- classic movie night
- musical movie night
What critics said
Critics broadly regard the film as an exceptionally lively and tuneful Depression-era musical, distinguished by professional performances, memorable numbers, and Busby Berkeley's choreography.
What sets it apart
May contain story progression spoilers
The story tracks Julian Marsh assembling a Broadway revue while cast and financiers navigate rehearsals and a crisis before opening.
Busby Berkeley's musical numbers use large-scale choreography and patterned formations as a defining cinematic attraction.
Peggy Sawyer moves from chorus girl to leading performer after Dorothy Brock's injury.
Julian Marsh's illness and relentless work ethic shape the demanding rehearsal environment.
Films like 42nd Street, and why
The Gold Diggers of 1933
depression-era backstage musical comedy with ambitious performers, romance, and spectacular choreography
The Broadway Melody
classic backstage musical centered on show-business ambition, rehearsal pressure, and romantic entanglements
Top Hat
warm, energetic Hollywood musical combining theatrical performance, romance, and career-making opportunity
Movie Details
- Director
- Lloyd Bacon
- Release Date
- 1933-03-11
- Runtime
- 89 min
- Rating
- 6.9 / 10 (226)
Cast
- Warner Baxter
- Bebe Daniels
- George Brent
- Ruby Keeler
- Guy Kibbee
- Una Merkel
- Ginger Rogers
- Ned Sparks
- Dick Powell
- Allen Jenkins
Where to watch in United States
- Streaming
- HBO Max Amazon Channel, HBO Max
- Rent
- Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Fandango At Home, FlixFling
- Buy
- Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Fandango At Home, FlixFling
Streaming options come from TMDB and change over time.
Common questions
- What is 42nd Street about?
- A determined chorus girl rises to a starring role when a troubled Broadway revue loses its leading lady on the eve of opening.
- What is 42nd Street like to watch?
- Ember's analysis rates the pacing of 42nd Street as brisk, its intensity as moderate and its storytelling as easy to follow.
- Is 42nd Street violent?
- No — Ember's analysis finds no violence in 42nd Street.
- What did critics think of 42nd Street?
- Critics broadly regard the film as an exceptionally lively and tuneful Depression-era musical, distinguished by professional performances, memorable numbers, and Busby Berkeley's choreography.
- Which films are like 42nd Street?
- Films with a similar feel include The Gold Diggers of 1933, The Broadway Melody, and Top Hat.
- How long is 42nd Street?
- 42nd Street runs 89 minutes.
- Where can I watch 42nd Street?
- In United States, 42nd Street streams on HBO Max Amazon Channel, HBO Max.
