When perennial college students Danny O'Neill and Hank Taylor are forced to make it on their own, the competitive pair get jobs with Artie Shaw's band and reunite with ex-manager Ellen Miller.
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Title: Second Chorus (1940)
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Nominated for
2
Oscars.
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Edit
Cast
| Complete credited cast: | |||
| Fred Astaire | ... |
Danny O'Neill
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| Paulette Goddard | ... |
Ellen Miller
|
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| Artie Shaw | ... |
Artie Shaw
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| Charles Butterworth | ... |
J. Lester Chisholm
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| Burgess Meredith | ... |
Hank Taylor
|
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| Frank Melton | ... |
Stu
|
|
 |
Jimmy Conlin | ... |
Mr. Dunn
(as Jimmy Conlon)
|
|
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Don Brodie | ... |
Hotel Clerk
|
|
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Marjorie Kane | ... |
Secretary
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| Joan Barclay | ... |
Receptionist
|
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Willa Pearl Curtis | ... |
Scrubwoman
|
| Artie Shaw and His Orchestra | ... |
Artie Shaw's Orchestra
(as Artie Shaw and His Band)
|
|
Edit
Plot Summary
|
Add Synopsis
Storyline
Danny and Hank are surprised when Artie Shaw hires competent manager Ellen away from their college band. The two trumpet players scheme to get into Shaw's outfit themselves, each trying to trump the other's plays. Written by Diana Hamilton <[email protected]>
Certificate:
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See full technical specs »
Details
Country:
USALanguage:
EnglishRelease Date:
3 January 1941 (USA) See more »Also Known As:
Amor de mi vida See more »Filming Locations:
Occidental College -1600 Campus Road, Eagle Rock, Los Angeles, California, USA See more »Company Credits
Show detailed
company contact information
on
IMDbPro »
Technical Specs
Runtime:
Sound Mix:
Mono (Western Electric Mirrophonic Recording)Color:
Black and WhiteAspect Ratio:
1.37 : 1
Edit
(uncredited)
Music by Victor Young
Lyrics by Will J. Harris
Played by the Perennials
Fred Astaire (dubbed by Bobby Hackett) and Burgess Meredith (dubbed by Billy Butterfield) on trumpet
See more »
Did You Know?
Trivia
The failure of the original copyright holder to renew the film's copyright resulted in it falling into public domain, meaning that virtually anyone could duplicate and sell a VHS/DVD copy of the film. Therefore, many of the versions of this film available on the market are either severely (and usually badly) edited and/or of extremely poor quality, having been duped from second- or third-generation (or more) copies of the film. See more »Goofs
At c.3 minutes Danny's chair suddenly jumps to immediately (and intimately) next to Ellen's left side at the table.. See more »Soundtracks
Sweet Sue Just You(uncredited)
Music by Victor Young
Lyrics by Will J. Harris
Played by the Perennials
Fred Astaire (dubbed by Bobby Hackett) and Burgess Meredith (dubbed by Billy Butterfield) on trumpet
See more »
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SECOND CHORUS 1940 Vas Good? ... Vas Pair-fect. (but not so the film.)
The Wonderful Fred Astaire and the vibrant, young, healthy and sexy Paulette Goddard struggled valiantly with this picture. Unfortunately there were no Irving Berlin or Cole Porter melodies to hang it on. If you are an Artie Shaw fan, then you will be content. As to the acting ability of Artie Shaw, I found nothing wrong with it. He was quite natural and, as a band leader, seemed quite at home . However, he was right up there, as a dramatic actor, with Xavier Cugat and Harry James. Fred was not at his best with the love song (even Paulette looked rather dubious about it) They looked good as dancing partners but it was obvious Fred taught her what little terpsichorian skills she possessed. (nice legs, though ... but then that is my weakness) I liked the little Russian number that Mister Astaire had some fun with.
Burgess Meredith and Fred Astaire actually were pretty snappy as a comedy team. Burgess had that same glitter in his eye as Paulette (they were later married in real life)
The video that I saw was a poor copy and suffered accordingly. Perhaps it would fare better with a clear one.
With all its faults and a minimal plot, I still would recommend that you get a good copy and watch some attractive young people show the present day, minimal twits what comedy should be.
Has anyone else noticed a resemblance between Burgess Meredith and Harpo Marx? Maybe it's just the attitude. Thank you for your patience with my ramblings. Comments are welcome. OLD DAD from Babbling Books ([email protected])