A Song Is Born
1948 · Movie · NR · 113 min · ★ 6.4 · 55% critics
Seven sheltered scholars researching music seek someone who can introduce them to the world of swing, and they find unexpected help in a nightclub singer. As she hides from trouble tied to her criminal boyfriend, lessons in modern music turn into a lively mix of romance, comedy, and big-band energy.
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Details
- Years
- 1948
- Release date
- 1948-10-19
- Language
- English
- Rated
- NR
- Runtime
- 113 min
- Critic score
- 55/100
- TMDB rating
- 6.4/10 (47 votes)
About
You'll likely enjoy this if you love classic musicals, big-band swing, and light romantic comedy in the spirit of Buck Privates or In the Good Old Summertime; Not for you if you want a stronger plot than musical showcase.
Pros: terrific swing performances; lively, playful mood; charming comic setup | Cons: thin story; uneven lead chemistry; gangster plot feels forced
Themes
- musical
- screwball comedy
Cast & crew
Danny Kaye
as Hobart Frisbee
Virginia Mayo
as Honey Swanson
Benny Goodman
as Professor Magenbruch
Tommy Dorsey
as Tommy Dorsey
Louis Armstrong
as Louis Armstrong
Lionel Hampton
as Lionel Hampton
Charlie Barnet
as Charlie Barnet
Mel Powell
as Mel Powell
- FL
Ford Washington Lee
as Buck
John 'Bubbles' Sublett
as Bubbles
Directed by Howard Hawks