The Big Broadcast

The Big Broadcast

Year: 1932

Runtime: 87 mins

Language: English

Director: Frank Tuttle

MusicComedyRomance

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.

The Big Broadcast (1932) – Spoiler-Free Movie Summary & Plot Overview

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

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Movies about chaotic showbiz worlds like The Big Broadcast

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.

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Narrative Summary

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.

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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.

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Narrative Summary

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.

Why These Movies?

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.

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The Big Broadcast Summary

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The Big Broadcast Summary

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Characters, Settings & Themes in The Big Broadcast

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