Sing, You Sinners

Sing, You Sinners

Year: 1938

Runtime: 88 mins

Language: English

Director: Wesley Ruggles

MusicComedyDramaRomance

You haven’t truly laughed until you meet the Beebes, the quirkiest family in America. The three singing brothers each have different dreams: Mike just wants to be a kid, Dave aims to run his garage and marry Martha, while Joe bets everything on swapping and gambling. Their only common ground is a musical act they all detest. When Joe stakes everything on a racehorse he’s acquired, the gamble threatens to upend the whole family.

Warning: spoilers below!

Haven’t seen Sing, You Sinners 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 & Setting – Sing, You Sinners (1938)

Explore the full timeline and setting of Sing, You Sinners (1938). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

Location

Los Angeles

Los Angeles serves as the bustling backdrop where the Beebe brothers chase fame. The city’s nightlife, clubs, and the racetrack scene provide opportunities for both showbiz dreams and high-stakes gambles. Through its crowded streets, the family’s ambitions, tensions, and resilience unfold.

🎬 City of cinema 🏙️ Urban hustle 🎶 Showbiz and racing backdrop

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 16:26

Main Characters – Sing, You Sinners (1938)

Meet the key characters of Sing, You Sinners (1938), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Joe Beebe (Bing Crosby)

The eldest Beebe brother, a charming but unreliable gambler who believes gambling is the quickest path to success. His schemes and restless energy drive much of the family’s tension and financial risk. Despite his flaws, he remains a central figure whose choices pull the family between desperation and aspiration.

🎭 Charismatic 💰 Gambler 👨‍👦 Family-minded

David Beebe (Fred MacMurray)

The responsible older brother who prefers practical work and delaying his marriage to Martha. He acts as the family’s stabilizing force, often mediating between Joe's impulsiveness and the family's need to pay debts. His practicality and steady demeanor anchor the Beebe clan during their rise to fame.

🎼 Musician 💼 Practical 👨‍👦 Family anchor

Mike Beebe (Donald O'Connor)

The youngest Beebe brother who idolizes Joe and dreams of a life in show business and racing. Energetic and loyal, he finds himself drawn into the racing world and the dangers it brings. His talent as a performer and rider becomes a key part of the family's bid for stability.

🎶 Young talent 🏇 Racing hopeful 💖 Loyal

Martha Randall (Ellen Drew)

David's fiancée, later drawn into the Beebe family’s whirlwind. She provides emotional balance and moral support, navigating the chaos of the brothers' ambitions and the family's financial worries. Martha's presence helps shape the brothers' choices and the future they pursue together.

❤️ Love interest 🎤 Supportive 👩‍👦 Family-involved

Mother Beebe (Daisy Beebe) (Elizabeth Patterson)

The matriarch who pushes her sons to contribute and persevere. She keeps the family together through tough times, insisting they maintain their singing act to pay debts. Her unwavering love and practical mindset hold the Beebe family steady amid chaos.

🫶 Matriarch 💪 Resilient 👨‍👦 Family glue

Harry Ringmer (John Gallaudet)

The antagonist who bribes Mike to throw the race, representing corruption in sport and a threat to the Beebe family's honesty. His actions catalyze a confrontation that tests the brothers' loyalty and courage. He is ultimately outmaneuvered by the Beebe team's resolve and unity.

🎭 Antagonist 💥 Corrupt 🥊 Rival

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 16:26

Major Themes – Sing, You Sinners (1938)

Explore the central themes of Sing, You Sinners (1938), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

👪 Family Bonds

The Beebe family's bond is tested as each member pursues a different path, balancing love with necessity. The matriarch drives them toward a shared goal: to pull the family from poverty through music and perseverance. Conflicts arise from Joe's gambling schemes and the strain they place on domestic life, but the love and loyalty keep them anchored. Ultimately, their unity helps them weather threats to their finances and future.

💼 Ambition vs Responsibility

Ambition pulls the brothers toward different temptations: Joe seeks quick wealth through gambling and flashy schemes, while David strives for steady work and a traditional future with Martha. The film sets showbiz excitement against practical responsibility, testing what the family can endure for a chance at success. Their singing trio becomes a lifeline, transforming risk into a viable path to security. In the end, ambition must align with responsibility to keep the family together.

🏇 Racing Ethics

A rival bribes Mike to lose the race, exposing corruption in the sport. Mike chooses to race to win, guided by Joe's reassurance and their bond. The victory over Ringmer and his thug demonstrates that integrity matters and that the right choice can unite the family. The resolution secures money to pay debts and reinforces the decision to keep their singing job.

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 16:26

Mobile App Preview

Coming soon on iOS and Android

The Plot Explained Mobile App

From blockbusters to hidden gems — dive into movie stories anytime, anywhere. Save your favorites, discover plots faster, and never miss a twist again.

Sign up to be the first to know when we launch. Your email stays private — always.

Unlock the Full Story of Sing, You Sinners

Don't stop at just watching — explore Sing, You Sinners in full detail. From the complete plot summary and scene-by-scene timeline to character breakdowns, thematic analysis, and a deep dive into the ending — every page helps you truly understand what Sing, You Sinners is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.

Sing, You Sinners Summary

Read a complete plot summary of Sing, You Sinners, including all key story points, character arcs, and turning points. This in-depth recap is ideal for understanding the narrative structure or reviewing what happened in the movie.

Sing, You Sinners Summary

Sing, You Sinners Timeline

Track the full timeline of Sing, You Sinners with every major event arranged chronologically. Perfect for decoding non-linear storytelling, flashbacks, or parallel narratives with a clear scene-by-scene breakdown.

Sing, You Sinners Timeline

More About Sing, You Sinners

Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about Sing, You Sinners: box office results, cast and crew info, production details, post-credit scenes, and external links — all in one place for movie fans and researchers.

More About Sing, You Sinners

Similar Movies to Sing, You Sinners

Discover movies like Sing, You Sinners that share similar genres, themes, and storytelling elements. Whether you’re drawn to the atmosphere, character arcs, or plot structure, these curated recommendations will help you explore more films you’ll love.