Step Lively

Gordon Miller, a theatrical producer, is chronically short of cash as his company lives on credit at a posh Broadway hotel. He and his assistants juggle creditors and rely on the hotel manager, Joe Gribble, Miller's brother-in-law, to keep them housed. The mounting pressure threatens both the company and the production.

Playwright Glenn Russell arrives from out of town expecting royalty payments, only to find the production in need of funds. Miller persuades him to invest in the show, hoping to secure crucial capital. Russell's arrival marks a turning point as artistic talent becomes a potential financial ally.

Russell demonstrates a remarkable singing voice and lands a leading role in the production. His vocal talent gives the show renewed energy and credibility. The partnership between money and music begins to form a viable path forward.

Businessman Simon Jenkins represents a secretive financial backer who wants his name kept out of the spotlight. He agrees to fund the show only if his protegee Miss Abbott becomes the singing star. Miller accepts the backer's check, but Jenkins later stops payment amid suspicion of the chaotic activity around Miller.

Wagner, a company auditor, arrives unexpectedly and begins investigating the hotel’s underperforming finances. He discovers the company is freeloading and moves to evict them. The looming eviction forces Miller to act to protect the production.

To stave off eviction, Miller has Russell pretend to be deathly ill, triggering a quarantine to keep the group installed at the hotel. The ruse buys time while the show is kept running and the performers remain sheltered. The deception, though risky, preserves their access to resources.

Miller informs Wagner that a mysterious backer is funding the show, hoping to reassure him about finances. He withholds the fact that the check has been stopped, allowing Wagner to believe the company is solvent. This misdirection makes Wagner an unwitting sponsor of the production.

Still in character, Russell is forced to perform a death scene in front of Wagner, showcasing his acting range and heightening the tension. The scene confirms the ruse to the auditor and reinforces Miller's precarious position. Wagner's skepticism begins to ease as the production continues.

Miller frantically tries to sneak Russell's apparent body out of the hotel to avoid scandal that could ruin the production. The farce underscores how close they are to collapse, yet also demonstrates their determination to keep the show going. The audience remains unaware of the ruse.

The show goes on as scheduled and becomes a big success. Russell's talent combined with Miller's persistence pays off, validating the risky gambit. The production finally achieves both financial and artistic vindication.

Wagner, believing Miller is solvent, grants courtesy and accommodation and effectively becomes an unwitting sponsor. He remains unaware that the backer's payment has been stopped. The auditor's acceptance seals Miller's temporary salvation.

Though the backer's identity remains secret and the payment status unresolved, the production has secured a hit and the company is fed and sheltered for now. Wagner is satisfied with the outcome, and Miller's gamble pays off despite the deception. The film closes on the triumph of the show and the temporary stabilization of the company.