Year: 1932
Runtime: 87 mins
Language: English
Director: Frank Tuttle
An insider look at the behind‑the‑scenes world of radio, exposing the secrets stations keep hidden. The top brass at the station become increasingly suspicious that their newly‑signed pop star is devoting more time to his love life than to his performances, threatening his career trajectory and the station’s success.
Get a spoiler-free look at The Big Broadcast (1932) with a clear plot overview that covers the setting, main characters, and story premise—without revealing key twists or the ending. Perfect for deciding if this film is your next watch.
In the humming corridors of WADX, a 1930s radio station that lives as much in whispers as in airwaves, the day‑to‑day grind is a blend of polished performances and backstage chaos. The studio’s bright lights and clacking typewriters conceal a world where schedules are fluid, egos are loud, and the pressure to keep the audience tuned in is a constant undercurrent. Every cue, every laugh track, and every off‑hand comment can tip the delicate balance between a hit broadcast and a costly silence, giving the whole operation a slightly frantic, almost theatrical rhythm.
At the heart of this melodious maelstrom is Bing Crosby, a charismatic but indifferent singer whose laid‑back attitude makes him both a favorite and a source of irritation. He is slated to tie the knot with Mona Lowe, a poised newcomer whose presence adds a countdown‑like tension to his already wavering commitment to the mic. Overseeing the mayhem is George Burns, the weary station manager whose patience is tested by constant deadlines and the ever‑present threat of financial strain. Adding a splash of unpredictable humor is his stenographer Gracie Allen, whose eccentric antics keep the office atmosphere lively and occasionally exasperating.
Enter Leslie McWhinney, a down‑on‑his‑luck Texan who stumbles into the radio world seeking a fresh start, and Anita Rogers, the efficient secretary who knows every corner of the studio and every secret it holds. Their arrivals stir a subtle web of personal ambitions, unspoken attractions, and the looming question of whether the station’s next big broadcast can survive the competing pulls of love, loyalty, and professional pride. The ensemble navigates a world where music, romance, and comedy collide, creating a lively tableau that promises both heartfelt moments and uproarious mishaps.
The film’s tone dances between sly satire and warm affection, painting the radio industry as a stage where ordinary people become accidental stars. With witty dialogue, catchy tunes, and a colorful cast of characters, the story invites the audience to listen closely—to the music, to the murmurs behind the microphone, and to the quiet hopes that drive each player toward the next great broadcast.
Last Updated: December 05, 2025 at 10:18
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.
Zany comedy and heartfelt drama from behind the scenes of the entertainment world.If you enjoyed the backstage antics of The Big Broadcast, you'll love these films that explore the entertainment industry. Discover movies like The Big Broadcast featuring frantic producers, eccentric stars, and the mad dash to a successful show, all set against a vibrant, behind-the-scenes backdrop.
The narrative typically revolves around a high-pressure production—a broadcast, a play, or a concert—that is threatened by personal entanglements, technical disasters, or egotistical stars. The plot is driven by a race against the clock to resolve these conflicts before the big opening night or live event, interweaving professional stakes with romantic or friendship subplots.
These movies are grouped together because they share a specific setting and a blend of tones. They capture the unique, often chaotic energy of creating entertainment, mixing workplace comedy with the heightened emotions of performance, resulting in an exuberant and hopeful vibe.
Fast-paced comedies where love triangles and mistaken identities lead to hilarious chaos.Fans of the whirlwind romance and comic mishaps in The Big Broadcast will enjoy these similar movies. Find films like The Big Broadcast with lighthearted love triangles, whimsical characters, and a breezy, fast-paced plot that keeps the laughs coming on the way to a happy ending.
The narrative pattern involves a central romantic couple (or triangle) whose path to happiness is blocked by a cascade of comedic obstacles, often including mistaken intentions, jealous rivals, and well-intentioned but meddling friends. The plot moves quickly from one humorous predicament to the next, with the emotional stakes kept light enough that the eventual happy ending feels earned and satisfying.
This thread groups movies based on their core comedic engine: romance-driven farce. They share a light emotional weight, a fast pace to keep the jokes coming, and a tone that is more whimsical than cynical, ensuring the viewer is always laughing with the characters, not at them.
Don't stop at just watching — explore The Big Broadcast 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 The Big Broadcast is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.
Read a complete plot summary of The Big Broadcast, 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.
Track the full timeline of The Big Broadcast with every major event arranged chronologically. Perfect for decoding non-linear storytelling, flashbacks, or parallel narratives with a clear scene-by-scene breakdown.
Discover the characters, locations, and core themes that shape The Big Broadcast. Get insights into symbolic elements, setting significance, and deeper narrative meaning — ideal for thematic analysis and movie breakdowns.
Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about The Big Broadcast: box office results, cast and crew info, production details, post-credit scenes, and external links — all in one place for movie fans and researchers.
Discover movies like The Big Broadcast 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.
The Big Broadcast (1932) Scene-by-Scene Movie Timeline
The Big Broadcast (1932) Movie Characters, Themes & Settings
The Big Broadcast (1932) Spoiler-Free Summary & Key Flow
Movies Like The Big Broadcast – Similar Titles You’ll Enjoy
Broadcast News (1987) Ending Explained & Film Insights
The Great American Broadcast (1941) Ending Explained & Film Insights
Radio Inside (1994) Full Movie Breakdown
Sweet Music (1935) Spoiler-Packed Plot Recap
Big Business Girl (1931) Complete Plot Breakdown
Radioland Murders (1994) Full Summary & Key Details
The Phantom Broadcast (1933) Full Movie Breakdown
The Big Broadcast of 1938 (1938) Film Overview & Timeline
The Big Broadcast of 1936 (1935) Complete Plot Breakdown
Twenty Million Sweethearts (1934) Plot Summary & Ending Explained
Music in My Heart (1940) Story Summary & Characters
Are You Listening? (1932) Full Summary & Key Details
The Black Network (1936) Film Overview & Timeline
Love Is on the Air (1937) Movie Recap & Themes
The Big Broadcast of 1937 (1936) Ending Explained & Film Insights