42nd Street

In New York City during the Great Depression, stage director Julian Marsh faces financial ruin due to the lack of theater attendance. As he struggles with his health, believed to be from cancer, he sees an opportunity to direct the musical comedy 'Pretty Lady' to secure his future.

During the auditions for 'Pretty Lady', Julian Marsh selects Dorothy Brock and Billy Lawler for the lead roles. Despite the competitive environment, Peggy Sawyer receives encouragement from Billy, who helps her find her confidence during the chorus tryouts.

Rehearsals continue for five weeks as the cast prepares for the show's premiere in Philadelphia. Just before the opening, tension arises between Dorothy, her ex-lover Pat Denning, and Abner Dillon, who threatens to withdraw funding due to Dorothy's romantic entanglements.

Abner Dillon grows frustrated with Dorothy's behavior and considers pulling his support for the show after a drunken incident. Marsh manages to convince him to stay as long as Dorothy apologizes for her actions, highlighting the delicate balancing act of production.

Dorothy becomes jealous after seeing Pat and Peggy together, leading to an emotional turmoil that results in her twisting her ankle. This injury places her future in the show in jeopardy and increases the stakes for everyone involved.

Finding himself in a bind after Dorothy's injury, Marsh must quickly find a replacement. Abner announces that 'Anytime Ann' will take over, but she insists there is only one girl who can truly carry the show—Peggy Sawyer.

Marsh reluctantly agrees to cast Peggy, a decision he had previously overlooked. Over the next five hours, Julian works tirelessly with Peggy to hone her acting, singing, and dancing skills, transforming her performance.

Before her big debut, Peggy receives encouragement not only from Billy but also from a sympathetic Dorothy. Both recognize the critical moment ahead for Peggy, with Dorothy even proclaiming her decision to marry Pat after the show.

The much-anticipated opening night of 'Pretty Lady' finally arrives. With the audience on the edge of their seats, Peggy goes on stage and delivers an impeccable performance, highlighted by her show-stopping number '42nd Street'.

Following the successful opening, the exhausted Julian Marsh finds solace on the theater steps. He overhears audience members discussing the show and the exciting prospect that he discovered Peggy, establishing her as a star of the future.