The Big Street

The Big Street

Year: 1942

Runtime: 88 mins

Language: English

Director: Irving Reis

RomanceDramaRelationship comedyCharming romances and delightful chemistryShow All…

Take it from me… A Girl’s Best Friend is a Dollar! Meek busboy Little Pinks is in love with an extremely selfish nightclub singer who despises and uses him.

Warning: spoilers below!

Haven’t seen The Big Street 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 & Setting – The Big Street (1942)

Explore the full timeline and setting of The Big Street (1942). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

Location

New York City, Miami

The film centers on New York City's busy nightclub district, where busboy Augustus Pinkerton II works and where Gloria Lyons’ world of glamour collides with working-class life. It also travels to Florida's coastal scenes, especially Miami, as Gloria goes to recuperate and the social circle expands beyond New York. The contrast between gritty city venues and sun-soaked resort settings fuels the story's tension and romance.

🗽 City 🎭 Showbiz 🏖️ Beach

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 19:09

Main Characters – The Big Street (1942)

Meet the key characters of The Big Street (1942), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Augustus Pinkerton II (Henry Fonda)

A principled busboy whose quiet courage masks a resilient heart. He falls for Gloria Lyons and repeatedly acts to safeguard her, even at personal cost. Resourceful and steadfast, he orchestrates moments of support, including retrieving jewels and arranging a hopeful party, before tragedy reshapes his world.

💬 Compassion 💪 Resolve 🧭 Resourcefulness

Gloria Lyons (Lucille Ball)

A talented but emotionally distant singer whose injury leaves her physically dependent and at times spiteful. Her arc centers on recognizing Pinks's sacrifices and the depth of his devotion, ultimately valuing love over vanity as she faces death.

🎭 Star Quality 💔 Vulnerability 🪶 Resilience

Case Ables (Barton MacLane)

A ruthless New York City nightclub owner whose power over venues and people drives much of the plot. He leverages others and schemes to protect his interests, creating the situation in which Gloria's jewels and the party become focal points of risk and control.

🏢 Showbiz 🕴️ Power 🗝️ Manipulation

Violette Shumberg (Agnes Moorehead)

A steady friend whose marriage to Nicely Nicely Johnson moves the social circle toward Florida. Her presence connects the NYC world to the Florida escape and the unfolding drama, serving as a stabilizing, supportive voice for Pinks.

👩‍🦳 Ally 💬 Support 🗺️ Connector

Nicely Nicely Johnson (Eugene Pallette)

A social figure and friend of Violette who moves the couple toward Florida. His calm demeanor contrasts with the chaos around Gloria, providing a foil to Pinks's devotion and the volatile nightclub world.

🎷 Friend 🧭 Guide 🪄 Calm

Mimi Venus (Marion Martin)

A glamorous socialite and showgirl who becomes a symbol of luxe, vulnerability, and temptation. Her jewel-adorned gown and the threat of blackmail intersect with the party plot, revealing how wealth can complicate loyalty and love.

🎀 Showgirl 💎 Glamour 🕵️ Intrigue

Decatur Reed (William T. Orr)

Gloria's former lover who loses interest upon discovering her invalid status. His disinterest underscores Gloria's vulnerability and the consequences of her injury on relationships, fueling Pinks's protective drive.

💔 Past Love 🕊️ Disappointment 🧭 Change

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 19:09

Major Themes – The Big Street (1942)

Explore the central themes of The Big Street (1942), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

💔 Love

Love drives Pinks to protect Gloria at great personal cost, pushing him to dramatic acts like retrieving the jewels and arranging a pivotal party. His devotion persists even as social divides complicate their relationship. The tale centers on sacrifice, illustrating how affection can endure hardship and even tragedy.

💎 Class Contrast

The romance unfolds against a backdrop of wealth and nightlife, highlighting the gap between a working-class busboy and glamorous society. Gloria's injury and dependence expose vulnerabilities tied to status, while a blackmail plot reveals power dynamics in the entertainment world. The party becomes a battleground where money and influence test loyalties.

🌊 Vulnerability

Gloria's illness makes her dependent and longing for one last dream, shaping her interactions with Pinks and others. The story lingers on fragile hope as she wishes to see the ocean, and on the ultimate cost of love when she dies, leaving Pinks to carry forward the memory of their bond.

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 19:09

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Unlock the Full Story of The Big Street

Don't stop at just watching — explore The Big Street 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 Street is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.

The Big Street Summary

Read a complete plot summary of The Big Street, 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.

The Big Street Summary

The Big Street Timeline

Track the full timeline of The Big Street with every major event arranged chronologically. Perfect for decoding non-linear storytelling, flashbacks, or parallel narratives with a clear scene-by-scene breakdown.

The Big Street Timeline

More About The Big Street

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More About The Big Street