Swing High, Swing Low

Swing High, Swing Low

Year: 1937

Runtime: 92 mins

Language: English

Director: Mitchell Leisen

RomanceDramaComedy

In Panama, Maggie King meets soldier Skid Johnson on his last day of service and reluctantly agrees to a celebratory date. After a nightclub brawl causes her to miss her ship home, she stays with Skid and his friend Harry. Maggie falls for Skid, who lands a trumpet gig and quickly becomes a star. His sudden fame and ego damage their romance and eventually ruin his career.

Warning: spoilers below!

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Timeline & Setting – Swing High, Swing Low (1937)

Explore the full timeline and setting of Swing High, Swing Low (1937). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

Location

Panama Canal Zone, Balboa, New York City

Most of the story unfolds aboard a liner traveling through the Panama Canal Zone with Balboa as a key nightlife hub. The action moves from Balboa's clubs to the glamour of New York City's nightclub scene. It culminates in a live radio performance that tests loyalties and fate.

🚢 Ocean liner 🌍 Panama Canal Zone 🗺️ Balboa 🗽 New York City

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 16:30

Main Characters – Swing High, Swing Low (1937)

Meet the key characters of Swing High, Swing Low (1937), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Maggie King (Carole Lombard)

A sharp-witted hairdresser turned showgirl on a liner who uses quick thinking to survive and pursue love. She orchestrates their employment by posing as married, faces rivalries with Anita, and remains determined to keep Skid close even as circumstances pull them apart. Her resilience and loyalty anchor the story.

🎭 Showbiz 💃 Lead ❤️ Romance

Skid Johnson (Fred MacMurray)

A brash, talented trumpet player whose rising fame tests his loyalty and temper. His ego and drinking bouts threaten his career, but his raw talent and partnership with Maggie ultimately drive his redemption. He embodies the volatile arc of a gifted performer.

🎺 Music 🕺 Performer 🥃 Ego

Harvey Howell (Harvey Stephens)

A wealthy rancher who becomes a potential alternative to Skid for Maggie. He represents security and social approval, contrasting with the turbulence of star-crossed romance. His presence adds pressure and options for Maggie’s future.

💼 Wealth 🤝 Power 💘 Love

Anita Alvarez (Dorothy Lamour)

Skid's former girlfriend and rival singer who ascends in New York's nightclub circuit. She complicates Maggie and Skid's relationship by intercepting messages and wielding her influence in the showbiz world. She embodies ambition and manipulation in the pursuit of fame.

🎤 Rivalry 💃 Showgirl 🎭 Ambition

Murphy (Cecil Cunningham)

Owner of Murphy's Cafe y Bar who hires Maggie and Skid under a ruse. Practical and opportunistic, she finances their early acts and keeps the business running while navigating the couple's likes and loyalties.

💼 Boss 🎶 Venue 🎭 Comedy

Harry (Charles Butterworth)

Skid's piano-playing friend who helps assemble a live band and pushes for Skid's return to form. He provides comic relief and musical support, acting as a loyal ally during the career slump.

🎹 Piano 🕺 Friend 🎶 Musician

Georgie Herman (Charles Arnt)

Skid's seasoned old agent who tries to steer the couple toward opportunity and stability. He navigates the shifting dynamics of show business to keep Skid's career afloat.

💼 Agent 🎯 Talent Hunter 🗺️ City life

Ella (Jean Dixon)

Maggie's friend who supports her plans and helps reveal Anita's interference. She acts as a moral and practical ally, aiding Maggie in navigating the romance and career crossroads.

🤝 Friend 👗 Socialite 🎶 Support

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 16:30

Major Themes – Swing High, Swing Low (1937)

Explore the central themes of Swing High, Swing Low (1937), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

❤️ Love & Loyalty

Love drives Maggie and Skid through deception, ambition, and distance. Their marriage begins as a lie that evolves into genuine commitment, tested by fame and miscommunication. The story emphasizes staying true to someone through trials and choices.

🎭 Showbiz & Fame

The narrative dives into the glitz and grit of show business, from nightclubs to radio fame. Characters chase opportunities, navigate rivalries, and contend with egos when success threatens personal connections. Fame acts as both catalyst and obstacle.

🎶 Music & Redemption

Music is the catalyst that revives Skid's talent and heals their fractured bond. A high-stakes live broadcast becomes the turning point where perseverance and teamwork restore his skill. The melodies symbolize renewal and commitment.

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 16:30

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Swing High, Swing Low Summary

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Swing High, Swing Low Summary

Swing High, Swing Low Timeline

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Swing High, Swing Low Timeline

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