42nd Street (film)
42nd Street is a 1933 American pre-Code musical film directed by Lloyd Bacon, with songs by Harry Warren (music) and Al Dubin (lyrics). The film's numbers were staged and choreographed by Busby Berkeley. It starred an ensemble cast of Warner Baxter, Bebe Daniels, George Brent, Ruby Keeler, Dick Powell, and Ginger Rogers.
| 42nd Street | |
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Theatrical release poster | |
| Directed by | Lloyd Bacon |
| Screenplay by |
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| Based on | 42nd Street by Bradford Ropes |
| Produced by | Darryl F. Zanuck |
| Starring |
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| Cinematography | Sol Polito |
| Edited by |
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| Music by |
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Production company | Warner Bros. |
| Distributed by | Warner Bros. |
Release dates |
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Running time | 89 minutes |
| Country | United States |
| Language | English |
| Budget | $439,000 |
| Box office | $2.3 million |
Adapted from the 1932 novel of the same name by Bradford Ropes, the film's screenplay was written by Rian James and James Seymour, with uncredited contributions by Whitney Bolton. The story revolved around the cast and crew rehearsing for a Broadway show at the height of the Great Depression.
42nd Street was one of the most successful motion pictures of 1933, earning almost $1.5 million at the box office. At the 6th Academy Awards, the film was nominated for Best Picture.
In 1998, 42nd Street was selected for preservation in the United States National Film Registry by the Library of Congress as being "culturally, historically, or aesthetically significant".
In 2006, the film was ranked number 13 on the American Film Institute's list of the greatest musicals of all time.
A stage adaption made its Broadway debut in 1980, winning two Tony Awards, including Best Musical.