The Big Broadcast

"The Big Broadcast" marks Bing Crosby's first full-length film. Before this, he'd been a member of The Rhythm Boys who sand with Paul Whiteman's orchestra and Bing also starred in several short films. But this film helped to establish him as a movie star...and before this he was much more a recording and radio star. It is fitting, then, that this story is set at a radio station.

When the story begins, Bing is late for a radio broadcast and it's not all his fault. Like many famous crooners, he's attacked by adoring fans and barely makes it to the studio in one piece! But the sponsor is furious with Crosby and demands he be fired...and the station's owner (George Burns) complies. However, soon they regret it because Bing is such a big star.

In the meantime, Bing's life goes from bad to worse, as not only is he off the radio, but his girlfriend has just run of with another man! He soon meets Les (Stu Erwin) in a bar and he, too, has girl trouble...so they both decide to kill themselves! Wow...talk about a dark turn. Now all this happens in the first 10-15 minutes of the film...so rest assured...they'll be alright. What's next? See the movie and find out yourself.

While much of this film was an excuse to feature various radio acts (not just Crosby but Kate Smith, the Mills Brothers, Cab Calloway and a few others), it actually had more story than I expected from a movie like this. Overall, an interesting look at some wonderful musical acts and a decent story as well...made better by Erwin and his pleasant persona.