Give a Girl a Break

Give a Girl a Break

Year: 1953

Runtime: 82 mins

Language: English

Director: Stanley Donen

RomanceMusicComedy

When the temperamental star of a Broadway revue quits, director‑choreographer Ted Sturgis opts to cast an unknown, sparking a flood of hopefuls from a newspaper ad. Composer Leo Belney backs ballerina Joanna Moss, while gofer Bob Dowdy fancies Suzy Doolittle. Producer Felix Jordan convinces Ted’s partner Madelyn Corlan to return, to Ted’s dismay.

Warning: spoilers below!

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Timeline & Setting – Give a Girl a Break (1953)

Explore the full timeline and setting of Give a Girl a Break (1953). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

1950s

Set in mid-20th century Broadway, the film captures the era's big musical numbers, ensemble energy, and the high-stakes atmosphere of casting a lead. Rehearsals, press, and the dream of stardom define the period's showbiz rhythm. The story focuses on the process of bringing a Broadway revue to life, rather than a specific historical event.

Location

Broadway, New York

The action unfolds in backstage and rehearsal spaces of a Broadway revue, with the theatre as the central arena for ambition and performance. Auditions, dressing rooms, and the opening night theatre create a vibrant backdrop. The environment is glamorous yet pressure-filled, showcasing the rites of the Broadway show world.

🎭 Broadway 🕺 Dance 🎬 Rehearsal

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 16:58

Main Characters – Give a Girl a Break (1953)

Meet the key characters of Give a Girl a Break (1953), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Dancer

A skilled ensemble dancer who epitomizes the craft behind the musical numbers. His presence underscores the importance of dance in a Broadway revue and the journey from rehearsal to performance.

🕺 👯

Suzy Doolittle

A novice gofer with a big dream who seizes her chance in the audition. She navigates romance with Bob and rises to a lead role, challenging expectations along the way.

🎯 💃

Bob Dowdy

The charming gofer who becomes emotionally involved with Suzy, influencing backstage dynamics. He believes in her talent and ultimately helps move the casting process forward.

🎭 💘

Mrs. Doolittle

Suzy’s mother figure who participates in the family discussions about the audition and career prospects. She embodies the domestic dimension of a Broadway dream.

👩‍👧 🏠

Burton Bradshaw

Husband of Joanna Moss who has his own professional milestone, offering a parallel storyline of personal advancement outside the show.

👨🏻‍💼 💼

Felix Jordan

A producer who pushes for the show’s commercial success and pressures decisions about casting and rewriting to fit a lead.

🎬 💼

Anson Prichett

A show business backer whose presence reflects the network of executives and financiers shaping the revue.

🏛️ 💼

Madelyn Corlane

Ted Sturgis’s former dance partner who comes out of retirement to audition, becoming a rival for the lead and testing the director’s vision.

👯 💔

Mr. Doolittle

Suzy’s father figure within the family context, involved in the discussions surrounding Suzy’s opportunities in show business.

👔 🏡

Ted Sturgis

Director and choreographer who must balance artistic direction with casting dynamics, navigating tensions with performers and collaborators.

🎬 🕺

Janet Hallson

A cast member within the ensemble, representing the broader company that supports the lead’s journey to the stage.

🎟️ 🎤

Leo Belney

The musical composer who champions Joanna and contemplates rewriting the show to fit a preferred performer, influencing casting and musical direction.

🎼 🧭

Mrs. Olga Bradshaw / Joanna Moss

A multi-role character played by Dolly Sharp, including the now-pregnant Joanna Moss, whose situation alters the lead casting and adds personal stakes to the production.

🎭 🧵

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 16:58

Major Themes – Give a Girl a Break (1953)

Explore the central themes of Give a Girl a Break (1953), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

🎭 Ambition

Aspiring performers chase a breakthrough as the core engine of the story. The film follows multiple hopefuls vying for a coveted lead, showing how talent, luck, and timing shape who finally shines. It highlights the relentless drive required to succeed in the world of Broadway.

🤝 Competition and Collaboration

The cast and creative team navigate rewriting the show to fit new performers, balancing rivalry with teamwork. Political maneuvering among producers, directors, and writers shapes who gets the spotlight. Personal loyalties and professional interests clash in the pursuit of a hit.

👪 Personal Life vs Career

The narrative juxtaposes career ascent with intimate relationships and family news. Characters juggle auditions, romances, and life milestones while the clock ticks toward opening night. The story suggests fame carries personal costs and hard choices.

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 16:58

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Give a Girl a Break Summary

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Give a Girl a Break Summary

Give a Girl a Break Timeline

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Give a Girl a Break Timeline

More About Give a Girl a Break

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