New Faces of 1937

Plot

A crooked theatrical producer deliberately sets about creating an unsuccessful show after selling more than 100% of it to investors.

Cast

Joe Penner - Seymore Seymore

Milton Berle - Wallington 'Wally' Wedge

Parkyakarkus - Parky

Harriet Hilliard - Patricia 'Pat' Harrington

William Brady - James 'Jimmy' Thompson

Jerome Cowan - Robert Hunt

Thelma Leeds - Elaine Dorset

Lorraine Krueger - Suzy

Tommy Mack - Judge Hugo Straight, Conductor

Bert Gordon - Count Mischa Moody

Patricia Wilder - Pat, Hunt's Secretary

Richard Lane - Harry Barnes, Broker

Dudley Clements - Plunkett, Stage Manager

William Corson - Assistant Stage Manager

George Rosener - Peter, Stage Doorman

Dewey Robinson - Joe Guzzola

Harry C. Bradley - Count Moody's Secretary

Production

An alternate title for this film, which was in production from late March to mid-May 1937, had been listed as Young People. Singer Rene Stone, who appears in the film, was discovered by Edward Small singing while cleaning dishes in a Manhattan restaurant.

Soundtrack

"New Faces"

(1937)Music and Lyrics by Charles HendersonPlayed during the opening creditsSung and danced by showgirls (including The Brian Sisters) and showboys to open the final showDanced by Ann MillerSung by Harriet Hilliard and showgirls

"The Widow in Lace"

(1937)Music by Harold SpinaLyrics by Walter BullockSung by Thelma Leeds and showgirls at rehearsalPlayed and danced by unidentified children, probably The Loria Brothers

"Our Penthouse on Third Avenue"

(1937)Music by Sammy FainLyrics by Lew BrownPlayed on piano by Harriet Hilliard and sung by her and William Brady

"It Goes to Your Feet"

(1937)Music by Sammy FainLyrics by Lew BrownPlayed and sung by Eddie Rio and BrothersDanced by Lowe, Hite and Stanley act, with Lorraine Krueger

"If I Didn't Have You"

(1937)Music by Sammy FainLyrics by Lew BrownSung by Harriet Hilliard and William Brady

"Love Is Never Out of Season"

(1937)Music by Sammy FainLyrics by Lew BrownSung by William Brady and danced by Harriet Hilliard and male chorus

"When the Berry Blossoms Bloom"

(1937)Written by Joe Penner and Hal RaynorSung and danced by Joe Penner in the show

"Peckin'"

(1936)Music and Lyrics by Ben Pollack and Harry JamesAdditional lyrics by Eddie Cherkose (1937)Sung and danced by The Three Chocolateers, The Four Playboys and chorus in the big finale in the show

"Bridal Chorus (Here Comes the Bride)"

(uncredited)from "Lohengrin"Music by Richard WagnerSwing version in the song "Peckin'"

"The Wedding March"

(uncredited)from "A Midsummer Night's Dream, Op.61"Music by Felix Mendelssohn-BartholdySwing version in the song "Peckin'"

Reception

The film recorded a loss of $258,000. Reviews were mixed.

The film was meant to be the first in a series of musical revues designed to introduce new RKO talent, but this did not eventuate. Film writers Richard B. Jewell and Vernon Harbin wrote that:

Containing not a single memorable musical number or inspired comedy routine, this tedious mish-mash caused the studio embarrassment a-plenty. Theatre owners and audiences displayed such hostility towards the Edward Small production in general, and Penner and Parkyakaras in particular, that RKO cancelled plans to make a New Faces of 1938.