Rhythm on the River

Rhythm on the River

Year: 1940

Runtime: 92 mins

Language: English

Director: Victor Schertzinger

MusicComedy

Popular songwriter Oliver Courtney has survived for years by using a ghost composer for the music and another for the lyrics. When the two collaborators meet at an inn, they fall in love and decide to release songs under their own names, but every publisher claims the tracks echo Courtney’s style, forcing them to fight for recognition.

Warning: spoilers below!

Haven’t seen Rhythm on the River yet? This summary contains major spoilers. Bookmark the page, watch the movie, and come back for the full breakdown. If you're ready, scroll on and relive the story!

Timeline – Rhythm on the River (1940)

Trace every key event in Rhythm on the River (1940) with our detailed, chronological timeline. Perfect for unpacking nonlinear stories, spotting hidden connections, and understanding how each scene builds toward the film’s climax. Whether you're revisiting or decoding for the first time, this timeline gives you the full picture.

1

Oliver steals Bob's song at the Christmas party

At a social Christmas party, Oliver passes off Bob's tune What Would Shakespeare Have Said? as if it were his own. The deception establishes Oliver's arrogance and sets up the central conflict over credit and authorship. The incident foreshadows the struggles ahead for both Bob and Cherry.

Night Social Christmas party
2

Bob declines Oliver's contract offer

Oliver thanks Bob for his loyalty and offers a contract for $50 a week for three years. Bob refuses, saying he would rather have a catboat to visit his uncle at Nobody's Inn. The rejection signals Bob's desire for independence and creative control.

That night Oliver's office
3

Cherry Lane becomes Oliver's ghost writer

After his lyric writer dies, Oliver finds Cherry Lane as a replacement and offers her the ghost-writing gig. She is initially reluctant but accepts the arrangement. Oliver is pleased with her first lyric, setting up a productive but precarious collaboration.

Shortly after Oliver's studio
4

Cherry seeks a quiet place to write

Cherry grows ambitious to write better lines, but she struggles to concentrate at home. It is suggested she move to a small, quiet place to improve her focus. The idea of a retreat underscores the creative pressure she faces.

Later Cherry's home / quiet location
5

Cherry travels to Nobody's Inn in Tarrytown

To work in an ideal environment, Cherry travels to Tarrytown and stays at Nobody's Inn. The river hotel provides the calm she needs to concentrate on lyrics. This move marks a new chapter in her collaboration with Oliver.

Soon after Nobody's Inn, Tarrytown
6

Bob visits; the two meet and like each other

Bob decides to visit the inn, and he and Cherry run into each other again. They gradually become acquainted and start to like one another. Their growing rapport lays the groundwork for a shared creative partnership.

During the visit Nobody's Inn
7

They collaborate on a song without knowing their employer

Cherry and Bob begin composing a song together, unaware that they are both working for the same boss. Their collaboration deepens as they exchange ideas, even as secrecy shadows their relationship. The mystery about who they serve adds tension to their creative bond.

During collaboration Nobody's Inn
8

Conflict over authorship explodes

Cherry becomes angry when Bob performs the song, insisting she wrote the lines and that he did not. The dispute highlights the core issue of credit and recognition in ghostwriting. Their budding romance is strained by accusations and suspicion.

Later Nobody's Inn
9

Bob resigns and returns to town

Confused and disillusioned, Bob travels back to town to resign from his role as ghost writer. He seeks a fresh start and a chance to pursue more honest collaborations. The split frees him to explore new possibilities.

Shortly after Town
10

Cherry confronts Oliver; they realize they are colleagues

Cherry goes to Oliver's office to report suspected stolen lines, and, to her surprise, they realize they have been working together all along. The revelation transforms their dynamic from adversaries to partners in a shared craft. The truth redefines their future projects.

Back in town Oliver's office
11

Bob and Cherry plan to start their own career

With the truth out, Bob and Cherry decide to launch their own music composing careers. They commit to pursuing independent opportunities and collaborating as equals. The decision marks a shift away from Oliver's shadow toward creative autonomy.

Following revelation Town / studios
12

Auditions and Westlake's interest

They audition for Mr. Westlake, who shows a particular interest in Cherry. He offers her a job as a nightclub singer, but she remains loyal to their band plans. Bob supports the direction, balancing personal opportunity with their joint project.

During auditions Mr. Westlake's club
13

Bob returns to ghostwriting and raises funds for a premiere

Seeing a potential for Cherry, Bob gives his consent for her to work with Westlake while returning to Oliver as the ghost writer. He raises $200 to fund a premiere for the song they wrote together at Nobody's Inn. This shows his willingness to back Cherry's dreams.

After Westlake episode Oliver's office / Nobody's Inn
14

Premiere night and Oliver's truth-telling

During the premiere at Nobody's Inn, Oliver publicly acknowledges that the song wasn't written by him and urges the couple to stay together. The admission validates their authorship and dissolves the lingering doubts about who created the work.

Premiere night Nobody's Inn
15

Engagement and final performance

Bob and Cherry announce their engagement and perform the song they wrote together. The moment cements their professional collaboration and their personal commitment, bringing the story to a hopeful conclusion.

After premiere Nobody's Inn

Last Updated: October 09, 2025 at 11:01

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Rhythm on the River Summary

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Characters, Settings & Themes in Rhythm on the River

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