Ember's analysis
- Pacing
- Brisk
- Intensity
- Moderate
- Complexity
- Easy to follow
- Violence
- None
- uplifting
- witty
- nostalgic
- classic movie night
- musical marathon
What critics said
Critics broadly praised the film's energetic musical performances and standout comic and vocal work, while finding its lengthy running time a serious flaw.
What sets it apart
May contain story progression spoilers
Steve Raleigh seeks financing and a leading lady while Caroline Whipple pressures him to cast an established star.
Sonny Ledford and Peter Trott are former vaudevillians, while Sophie Tucker and Buddy Ebsen contribute vaudeville-inflected comic and dance energy.
Sally trains and races a horse to raise the money Steve needs to produce his show.
The film foregrounds dancing, tap routines, chorus-girl performance, and contrasting solo showcases for its musical performers.
Films like Broadway Melody of 1938, and why
42nd Street
classic backstage musical with ambitious show-business characters, elaborate dance numbers, romance, and buoyant theatrical energy
Broadway Melody of 1940
MGM musical spectacle centered on Broadway performance, romantic complications, comedy, and tap dancing
The Barkleys of Broadway
warm backstage musical combining romance, comic supporting performers, star-making ambition, and lavish song-and-dance sequences
Movie Details
- Director
- Roy Del Ruth
- Release Date
- 1937-08-20
- Runtime
- 110 min
- Rating
- 6.6 / 10 (15)
Cast
- Robert Taylor
- Eleanor Powell
- George Murphy
- Binnie Barnes
- Buddy Ebsen
- Sophie Tucker
- Judy Garland
- Charles Igor Gorin
- Raymond Walburn
- Robert Benchley
Where to watch in United States
- Rent
- Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Fandango At Home
- Buy
- Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Fandango At Home
Streaming options come from TMDB and change over time.
Common questions
- What is Broadway Melody of 1938 about?
- An aspiring Broadway producer, a determined newcomer, and a trained racehorse join forces in a sparkling MGM backstage musical.
- What is Broadway Melody of 1938 like to watch?
- Ember's analysis rates the pacing of Broadway Melody of 1938 as brisk, its intensity as moderate and its storytelling as easy to follow.
- Is Broadway Melody of 1938 violent?
- No — Ember's analysis finds no violence in Broadway Melody of 1938.
- What did critics think of Broadway Melody of 1938?
- Critics broadly praised the film's energetic musical performances and standout comic and vocal work, while finding its lengthy running time a serious flaw.
- Which films are like Broadway Melody of 1938?
- Films with a similar feel include 42nd Street, Broadway Melody of 1940, and The Barkleys of Broadway.
- How long is Broadway Melody of 1938?
- Broadway Melody of 1938 runs 110 minutes.
- Where can I watch Broadway Melody of 1938?
- In United States, Broadway Melody of 1938 is available to rent or buy from Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Fandango At Home.
