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 – Sing, You Sinners (1938)

Trace every key event in Sing, You Sinners (1938) 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

Joe loses his job and heads to California

Joe is fired from the local gas station after trading gas for rummage articles. He decides to go to Los Angeles to chase luck, convinced his path to success lies in gambling. His sudden unemployment pushes the Beebe family toward a new, uncertain future.

Local gas station
2

Gambling wins and a route to wealth

In Los Angeles, Joe wins money at the racetrack and uses it to buy a swap shop. He later trades the shop for a racehorse named Uncle Gus, convinced this lucky streak will continue. His success despite risk fuels hope back home.

Los Angeles
3

Family visits Joe in California

Mother Beebe and Mike travel to California to see Joe and the results of his gamble fueled plan. They are greeted by stories of success, but the family home remains precarious. The visit reveals the widening gap between Joe's dreams and the family’s needs.

California
4

David and Martha arrive; the wedding postponed

David and Martha also come to Los Angeles and are shocked by the family's poverty caused by Joe's laziness. The financial strain forces David to postpone his own wedding. Martha returns home, setting back the couple's plans.

Los Angeles
5

Mother Beebe enforces a singing career

With money running out, Mother Beebe urges the brothers to use their musical training and perform as a singing trio at a nightclub. The family shifts from gambles to steady show business to keep the household afloat. The new plan tests the brothers' relationships and resolve.

Nightclub
6

Mike becomes a jockey in a big race

Young Mike is chosen to ride in a major race as Uncle Gus trains the horse. He hopes to prove himself beyond the family gambles. The assignment adds pressure as the odds are stacked.

Race track
7

Bribe to throw the race

Harry Ringmer corrupts the thirteen-year-old Mike into losing the race. The betrayal threatens the family’s fragile financial recovery. Tension rises as the brothers realize they are being used.

Race track
8

Joe counsels Mike to win

Mike confesses the bribery to Joe, who urges him to race to win regardless of the bribe. Joe's pragmatism clashes with caution, pushing Mike toward the right choice. The siblings' bond deepens as they face the moral dilemma.

Behind the scenes at the track
9

Race win and confrontation

Mike and Uncle Gus win the race, but Ringmer and a thug confront them afterwards. A brawl erupts, but David and Mother Beebe rush to their sons, and the fight ends with Ringmer giving up. The family fights together to protect their future.

Racecourse
10

Finances improve; David contemplates quitting

The victory provides enough money to cover their debts, allowing relief but also a moment of doubt. David briefly considers quitting the singing group, but Mother Beebe insists they stay together. The brothers recommit to the steady, shared career.

Family home / nightclub
11

Telegram to Martha invites return

David sends a telegram to Martha asking her to come back to marry the four Beebe brothers. The unusual proposal reflects the commitment and unconventional family plans. Martha's potential return signals a hopeful future.

Telegram office
12

Beebe brothers continue their singing career

With renewed purpose, the three Beebe brothers continue their singing career, balancing show business with family ties. Their loyalty to one another steadies their path forward. The film closes on a note of shared dreams.

Nightclub / touring circuit

Last Updated: October 09, 2025 at 11:07

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.

Explore Movie Threads

Discover curated groups of movies connected by mood, themes, and story style. Browse collections built around emotion, atmosphere, and narrative focus to easily find films that match what you feel like watching right now.

Hopeful family stories about overcoming flaws like in Sing, You Sinners

Families working together to overcome one member's flaws, leading to heartwarming redemption.For fans of Sing, You Sinners, this thread gathers movies about families banding together to navigate the challenges posed by a lovable but flawed member. If you enjoy stories where financial struggles, personal vices, and sibling dynamics are resolved with optimism and musical or comedic warmth, you'll find similar heartfelt comedies and dramas here.

familialhopefullightheartedredemptivequirkyoptimisticheartwarming

Narrative Summary

The narrative typically follows a linear path: a stable family life is disrupted by a member's problematic behavior (gambling, immaturity, etc.), creating a series of financial or emotional crises. The family's efforts to contain the damage and support the individual lead to a climax where a joint effort or sacrifice paves the way for redemption and a stronger, happier union.

Why These Movies?

Movies are grouped here for their shared focus on familial problem-solving as a central plot engine, balanced by a fundamentally hopeful tone. They mix medium emotional weight from genuine struggles with lighthearted or musical elements, resulting in a satisfying, heartwarming experience centered on loyalty and second chances.

Steady-paced ensemble movies with quirky characters like Sing, You Sinners

Character-driven stories about quirky groups balancing dreams, conflict, and camaraderie.If you liked the charming, character-driven feel of Sing, You Sinners, this collection highlights movies centered on quirky ensembles, often with a musical or performative slant. These stories share a steady pace, a mix of comedy and drama, and a focus on how a group's distinct personalities navigate shared and individual dreams towards a positive resolution.

quirkyensemblelightheartedsteady-pacedhopefulcharacter-drivencharming

Narrative Summary

The narrative pattern revolves around a cohesive group where each member has a clearly defined dream or flaw. The plot unfolds at a consistent pace through a series of events that test their unity, often involving a shared venture or the consequences of one member's actions. The resolution typically finds a balance between individual fulfillment and the strength of the group, achieved through cooperation and mutual understanding.

Why These Movies?

These movies are grouped by their shared emphasis on ensemble chemistry, a steady narrative rhythm, and a tonal blend of lighthearted humor with medium-stakes dramatic conflict. They offer a comforting viewing experience where the journey is as important as the destination, and the group's distinctive charm is a key attraction.

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

Characters, Settings & Themes in Sing, You Sinners

Discover the characters, locations, and core themes that shape Sing, You Sinners. Get insights into symbolic elements, setting significance, and deeper narrative meaning — ideal for thematic analysis and movie breakdowns.

Characters, Settings & Themes in Sing, You Sinners

Sing, You Sinners Spoiler-Free Summary

Get a quick, spoiler-free overview of Sing, You Sinners that covers the main plot points and key details without revealing any major twists or spoilers. Perfect for those who want to know what to expect before diving in.

Sing, You Sinners Spoiler-Free Summary

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.