Name: Hi, Buddy
Genre: Musical
Released: 1943
Duration: 1 min 6 s
Cast: Dick Foran, Harriet Hilliard, Robert Paige, Marjorie Lord, Bobs Watson

Cast & Crew

Film Details

Genre

Musical

Release Date

Feb 26, 1943

Premiere Information

not available

Production Company

Universal Pictures Company, Inc.

Distribution Company

Universal Pictures Company, Inc.

Country

United States

Technical Specs

Duration

1h 6m

Film Length

6,119ft (6 reels)

Synopsis

Dave O'Connor, Johnny Blake and Mary Parker are the organizers and leaders of the "Hi, Buddy Club" for young boys on New York's East Side. One day, Dave returns to town on leave from the Army to learn that the club may have to give up its clubhouse due to a lack of funds. At the same time, Johnny is discovered by theatrical agent Downbeat Collins, who offers him a job singing on the radio. Though he wants to join the Army, Johnny accepts the singing engagement, thinking that he can use the money to support the boys club. Johnny immediately becomes a big sensation, and he and his radio partner, Gloria Bradley, are sent on a broadcasting tour of various army camps. Johnny tells his agent to send a portion of his salary each week to the "Hi, Buddy Club," but Downbeat pockets the money for himself and destroys all of Mary's letters, telling Johnny of the club's dire straits. Gloria assists Downbeat in his deception, as she hopes that Johnny, with further success, will forget about the club and Mary and return her romantic attentions. When Dave goes home on a second furlough, he learns that both the club's clubhouse and summer camp may be abandoned. He returns to his camp and organizes a benefit show for the club. During the show's last rehearsal, Johnny and Gloria arrive at the camp for a broadcast, and Johnny is surprised when his old friend gives him the cold shoulder. Johnny drives to New York, where the club's president, Tim, tells him that they never received any of his money. Johnny then goes to Downbeat's office and drags the crooked agent to the Army base, just in time for the big show. With the help of policeman Michael O'Shane, Johnny forces Downbeat to spend large sums of money at the various fundraising booths. He then goes to a recruiting office, enlists in the Army, and returns to the base just in time to perform his number at the benefit.