The Duke Is Tops

Released Jul 15, 1938

1h 12m

Musical

Romance

List

63%

Tomatometer

8 Reviews

67%

Popcornmeter

Fewer than 50 Ratings

Duke Davis (Ralph Cooper) is the tireless promoter of his songstress sweetheart, Ethel Andrews (Lena Horne). Duke believes in her singing talent, and, when she gets an offer to perform in New York City, he implores her to accept it. Unwilling, however, to abandon her beau for a rival promoter, Ethel refuses to take the booking. Undeterred, Duke hatches a selfless scheme that, while it may lead Ethel to stardom in the Big Apple, also risks driving her away from him forever.

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Variety Staff

Variety

[The Duke Is Tops] starts off as a very poor film and winds up as a passable vaudeville show via later half devoted to musical type finale.

Dec 2, 2020

Full Review

Romeo L. Dougherty

New York Age

A very entertaining little vehicle for the talents of Ralph Cooper.

Dec 2, 2020

Full Review

Earl J. Morris

Pittsburgh Courier

You will never forget the singing of Miss Horne in this picture. Cooper gave a splendid performance as the young producer. His many years of experience on the stage Ideally equips him for dramatic roles.

Dec 2, 2020

Full Review

John Kinloch

California Eagle

[New find] Lena Horne... is highly successful.

Oct 25, 2019

Full Review

Sarah Boslaugh

Playback:stl

...although the production quality is not always high, it captures performances by many contemporary acts including Cats and the Fiddle and the Basin Street Boys.

Rated: 6/10

Aug 20, 2016

Full Review

Phil Hall

Film Threat

Mildly entertaining all-black musical that introduced a 21-year-old Lena Horne.

Rated: 2.5/5

May 14, 2010

Full Review

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Steve D

No he isn't. Not even close.

Rated 1 out of 5 stars

01/08/24

Full Review

deke p

1938! & it's very entertaining. LENA HORNE! Never heard of it till I saw it late night TV 12.2020 the movie channel

Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars

03/30/23

Full Review

Audience Member

good all black musical

Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars

01/21/23

Full Review

Audience Member

Lena Horne was Amazing & so beautiful in this

Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars

02/19/23

Full Review

Audience Member

Intertaining with the beautiful Lena Horne.

Rated 3 out of 5 stars

02/05/23

Full Review

Audience Member

good showcase style movie

Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars

02/25/23

Full Review

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William Nolte

Director

Ralph Cooper

Duke Davis

Lena Horne

Ethel Andrews

Lawrence Criner

Doc Dorando

Monte Hawley

George Marshall

Vernon McCalla

Mason

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Synopsis

Duke Davis (Ralph Cooper) is the tireless promoter of his songstress sweetheart, Ethel Andrews (Lena Horne). Duke believes in her singing talent, and, when she gets an offer to perform in New York City, he implores her to accept it. Unwilling, however, to abandon her beau for a rival promoter, Ethel refuses to take the booking. Undeterred, Duke hatches a selfless scheme that, while it may lead Ethel to stardom in the Big Apple, also risks driving her away from him forever.

Director: William Nolte
Producer: Harry M. Popkin
Screenwriter: Phil Dunham
Production Co: Million Dollar Productions
Genre: Musical, Romance
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Jul 15, 1938, Limited
Release Date (Streaming): Aug 11, 2016
Runtime: 1h 12m

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