The Barkleys of Broadway
Seen it?1949 | 108 min | Comedy, Romance
Weeknight Watchearly ratingWhy it’s a Weeknight Watch
With middling reviews (55% on Rotten Tomatoes) and little lasting buzz, it's a mixed bag. Fine if it's on; don't plan your night around it.
Based on critics, audiences, awards, box office and buzz. Details below.Is it for you?
- Who'll love it
- Made for romantics and anyone who wants a laugh. If you loved High Society or How to Marry a Millionaire, start here.
- The mood
- Light and funny, romantic.
- The pace
- Breezy, at 1 hr 48 min.
- What might put you off
- Made in 1949: an older pace and style.
Josh and Dinah Barkley are a successful musical-comedy team, known for their stormy but passionate relationship. Dinah feels overshadowed by Josh and limited by the lighthearted musical roles he directs her in. So she decides to stretch her skills by taking a role in a serious drama, directed by another man.
How it earned its rating
- CriticsBelow par
55% on Rotten Tomatoes
- AudiencesNot counted
Not measured yet: not enough ratings
- AwardsBelow par
Nominated for 1 Oscar and 1 WGA Award.
- Box office & staying powerSolid
$4 million worldwide on a $2 million budget; still draws a steady audience long after release
- Buzz & cultural impactBelow par
About 15K people sought it out in the past year
Trailer
More like this
High Society
Saturday SpecialAlso from director Charles Walters: a musical romantic comedy, and a Saturday Special.
White Christmas
Sunday Safe BetAnother musical romantic comedy, and a safe bet for a quiet night.
How to Marry a Millionaire Saturday SpecialAnother musical romantic comedy that's easy to miss.
The Wrong Paris Weeknight WatchAnother romantic comedy, though it's more of a weeknight watch.
Wedding Season Sunday Safe BetAnother romantic comedy, and a safe bet for a quiet night.
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Cast & crew
Directed by Charles Walters
- Fred AstaireJosh Barkley
- Ginger RogersDinah Barkley
- Oscar LevantEzra Millar
- Billie BurkeMrs. Livingston Belney
- Gale RobbinsShirlene May
- Jacques FrançoisJacques Barredout
- George ZuccoJudge
- Clinton SundbergBert Felsher
- Inez CooperPamela Driscoll
- Carol BrewsterGloria Amboy