Something to Sing About

Released Sep 30, 1937

1h 33m

Musical

List

83%

6 Reviews

Tomatometer

29%

100+ Ratings

Audience Score

Dancer and bandleader Terry Rooney (James Cagney) heads to Hollywood, Calif., to try a career in movies, leaving behind his singer girlfriend, Rita (Evelyn Daw). Despite the enthusiastic support of both the studio head and publicity man Hank Meyers (William Frawley), Terry fears his first film will be a disaster and elopes with Rita on a steamer. When they return, Terry discovers he's a star -- but his new contract stipulates he must remain single, providing a challenge for him and Rita.

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Meyer Levin (Patterson Murphy)

Esquire Magazine

Cagney still Cagney in a song-anddance picture of backstage Hollywood. Better not do this often.

Apr 21, 2020

Full Review

Ann Ross

Maclean's Magazine

What fun there is in Something to Sing About is in watching [James] Cagney dancing, fighting, and even dally. ing over the telephone.

Jul 23, 2019

Full Review

Dennis Schwartz

Dennis Schwartz Movie Reviews

Cagney is a treat to watch as he spoofs, hoofs and romances.

Rated: B-

Nov 13, 2008

Full Review

Steve Crum

Video-Reviewmaster.com

The higher rating for this low budget musical is for Cagney's great dance sequences.

Rated: 4/5

Nov 1, 2008

Full Review

Emanuel Levy

EmanuelLevy.Com

Rated: 3/5

Jul 14, 2005

Full Review

Carol Cling

Las Vegas Review-Journal

Rated: 3/5

May 14, 2004

Full Review

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Audience Member

change of pace 4 cagney

Rated 3 out of 5 stars

01/21/23

Full Review

Audience Member

James Cagney plays one of his most likeable characters, Terry Rooney, in "Something to Sing About." Rooney goes to Hollywood in hopes of becoming a big star. The studio he's working for sees his great talent, but downplays it in fear of inflating his ego. Oblivious to his potential, Rooney leaves Hollywood after the movie is finished. He marries his sweetheart Rita (Evelyn Daw) and goes on their honeymoon. While away, his film blows up and becomes a box-office smash. When Rooney returns, he learns that he's become an overnight sensation. The studio wants to sign him for a 7-year deal. Only thing is, they want him to remain single. Rooney and Rita concoct a plan to keep their marriage a secret and continue making pictures. Obviously, this causes problems for the couple, as well as the studio. "Something to Sing About" is a humorous and charming little film. It features some great dance numbers by Cagney and his onscreen presence is as natural as ever. William Frawley co-stars as the studio's publicity agent and gives a rousing performance. Four stars!

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

01/31/23

Full Review

Audience Member

James Cagney is a theatrical genius! His dancing, singing, and overall performance here is absolutely brilliant! But shat I love most about this film is how it doesn't go down the obvious formulaic route, and gives you a very satisfying and interesting story. I love it's originality, and the charm that Cagney brings to it, and it's such a fun experience. And considering it's over 70 years old, it's so surprising how well it holds up. It truly is a timeless masterpiece in my opinion.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

01/28/23

Full Review

Audience Member

It was cute but really hard to get into. I was excited about seeing a James Cagney film finally but I was bit disappointed unfortunately. It was quirky, and the acting was great, I just felt that the story was bit weak and really didn't keep me engrossed

Rated 2.5 out of 5 stars

02/21/23

Full Review

Audience Member

JAMES CAGNEY HAS TO BE ONE OF THE MOST VERSATILE ACTORS OF ALL TIME. THIS FILM IS A VERY ENTERTAINING MUSICAL/COMEDY/ROMANCE, AND CAGNEY DOES A TERRIFIC JOB IN THE ROLE. GOOD SUPPORT FROM WILLIAM FRAWLEY.

Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars

01/30/23

Full Review

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Victor Schertzinger

Director

James Cagney

Terrence "Terry" Rooney

Evelyn Daw

Rita Wyatt

William Frawley

Hank Meyers

Mona Barrie

Stephanie "Steffie" Hajos

Gene Lockhart

Bennett O. "B.O." Regan

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Synopsis

Dancer and bandleader Terry Rooney (James Cagney) heads to Hollywood, Calif., to try a career in movies, leaving behind his singer girlfriend, Rita (Evelyn Daw). Despite the enthusiastic support of both the studio head and publicity man Hank Meyers (William Frawley), Terry fears his first film will be a disaster and elopes with Rita on a steamer. When they return, Terry discovers he's a star -- but his new contract stipulates he must remain single, providing a challenge for him and Rita.

Director: Victor Schertzinger
Screenwriter: Victor Schertzinger, Austin Parker
Production Co: Zion Meyers Productions
Genre: Musical
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Sep 30, 1937, Limited
Release Date (Streaming): Aug 11, 2016
Runtime: 1h 33m

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