Puttin' on the Ritz


1h 28m 1930

Brief Synopsis

Crooner Harry Raymond and best friend James Tierney are working for a musical promoter when they meet Dolores Fenton who is trying to make ends meet by selling one of her songs. Raymond collaborates with Miss Fenton on her music but gets fired overzealoulsy selling it to his boss. Raymond and Tierney, along with their girlfriends, work in vaudeville until they are separated by a Broadway offer for Raymond and girlfriend Dolores. Success comes to the crooning Raymond in New York. He starts hobnobbing with high society, drinking heavily, and forgetting his old friends. It's a formula for a big fall.

Film Details

Genre
Musical
Release Date
Mar 1, 1930
Premiere Information
New York premiere: 14 Feb 1930
Production Company
United Artists Corp.
Country
United States

Technical Specs

Duration
1h 28m
Sound
Mono (Western Electric Sound System)
Color
Black and White, Color (Technicolor)
Theatrical Aspect Ratio
1.37 : 1
Film Length
8,225ft (10 reels)

Synopsis

Harry Raymond, a washed-up vaudevillian, takes a job as song promoter for the Wagner music publishers. He is unable, however, to convince them his song ideas are worthwhile, and his conceit over a song submitted by showgirl Dolores Fenton gets him fired. His friend Jim, Dolores, and her friend Goldie work up an act that gets playing time until Harry riles the audience into a free-for-all. Then they split into duo teams and Harry and Dolores become a Broadway sensation with their number "With You." They become engaged, but prosperity goes to Harry's head, and he takes up with Mrs. Van Renssler, a thrill-mad socialite, and scorns his former friends at a Christmas Eve party. In a drunken frenzy, he is temporarily blinded by bad liquor but conceals his condition from Dolores. Jim takes him to the opening night of her show, and when the audience insists that she sing "With You," Harry joins her in the song from the balcony. Later, she forgives him, and they are happily reunited.

Film Details

Genre
Musical
Release Date
Mar 1, 1930
Premiere Information
New York premiere: 14 Feb 1930
Production Company
United Artists Corp.
Country
United States

Technical Specs

Duration
1h 28m
Sound
Mono (Western Electric Sound System)
Color
Black and White, Color (Technicolor)
Theatrical Aspect Ratio
1.37 : 1
Film Length
8,225ft (10 reels)

Quotes

Trivia