The Broadway Melody

The Broadway Melody

Year: 1929

Runtime: 100 min

Language: English

Director: Harry Beaumont

DramaRomanceMusical

In the bright lights of Broadway, two vaudeville sisters, Hank and Queenie Mahoney, trade in their small-time act for a big-stage debut. But when Eddie's affections shift from Hank to Queenie, the sisters' bond is tested amidst a backdrop of showbiz drama and high-society intrigue.

Warning: spoilers below!

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Timeline – The Broadway Melody (1929)
Trace every key event in The Broadway Melody (1929) with our detailed, chronological timeline. Perfect for unpacking nonlinear stories, spotting hidden connections, and understanding how each scene builds toward the film’s climax. Whether you're revisiting or decoding for the first time, this timeline gives you the full picture.
1

Eddie's Excitement

In a bustling recording studio in New York City, Eddie Kearns performs 'The Broadway Melody'. He eagerly shares with chorus girls that he has brought the Mahoney Sisters' vaudeville act to the city for a special performance, showcasing his enthusiasm for the upcoming revue.

New York City
2

The Mahoney Sisters Await

Harriet 'Hank' Mahoney and her sister Queenie await Eddie's arrival at their hotel apartment on 46th Street. Hank is confident in their upcoming success while Queenie feels apprehensive about the risks involved in pursuing fame.

46th Street, New York
3

Uncle Jed's Proposal

The sisters' Uncle Jed pays a brief visit and suggests a 30-week traveling show. Hank declines the offer but agrees to think it over, showing her desire to stick with their current plans while questioning their potential success.

4

First Rehearsal

When Eddie arrives at the hotel, he is struck by Queenie's beauty, which he had not seen since she was a child. He invites the sisters to join him for a rehearsal with Francis Zanfield, setting the stage for their Broadway ambitions.

5

Sabotage at Audition

During their audition at the theater, a mysterious blonde woman sabotages the Mahoney Sisters' performance by interfering with the piano. This incident leads to a physical confrontation between Hank and the woman, revealing the underlying tensions they face.

Theater
6

Zanfield's Curiosity

Francis Zanfield shows little interest in the act but becomes intrigued by Queenie. Despite Hank's efforts to promote their act, Queenie insists on securing a role for Hank as well, exemplifying her commitment to the sisterly bond in their career.

7

Dress Rehearsal Troubles

During dress rehearsals, Zanfield expresses concerns that cuts need to be made to the Mahoney Sisters' parts. The tension intensifies when an accident leads to Queenie being chosen as a replacement, showcasing her unexpected rise to the spotlight.

8

Queenie and Jock's Relationship

As Queenie and the wealthy playboy Jacques 'Jock' Warriner grow closer, it creates a rift between her and her sister Hank. Hank disapproves of the relationship, believing Queenie is prioritizing her looks over her talent and aspirations.

9

Confession of Love

Eddie and Queenie finally confess their love for one another after weeks of tension. However, Queenie pushes Eddie away, prioritizing her sister's feelings over her own desires, marking a pivotal emotional turning point.

10

Hank's Decision

After a heated confrontation, Hank comes to terms with her sister's true love for Eddie. She tells Eddie to pursue Queenie, claiming she never loved him, showcasing a complex mix of sacrifice and realization of her own emotions.

11

The Emotional Aftermath

Following Eddie's departure, Hank is overcome with a whirlwind of emotions that oscillates between joy and sorrow. She ultimately decides to accept Uncle Jed's traveling show proposal, indicating a shift in her career path.

12

Confrontation at the Party

At a wild party hosted by Jock, tensions peak when he attempts to force his advances on Queenie. Eddie steps in heroically, leading to a physical altercation, but he is ultimately overpowered, demonstrating his commitment to Queenie.

Jock's Apartment
13

Queenie's Choice

In a moment of clarity, Queenie chooses to leave Jock and rushes to Eddie, abandoning the chaos of the party. This decisive action underscores her true feelings and desire to prioritize her own happiness and connections.

14

Honeymoon Anticipation

Hank and Uncle Jed await the return of Queenie and Eddie from their honeymoon, hinting at a potential reconciliation. However, there's an unspoken tension between Hank and Eddie, suggesting that the challenging dynamics are far from resolved.

15

Final Departure

As Hank departs with her new partner, who is revealed to be the same woman that sabotaged them earlier, Queenie reflects on her own inability to help her sister find happiness. The film concludes with a promise of a triumphant return to Broadway.

Train Station

Last Updated: October 25, 2024 at 10:16

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