Broadway Limited

Broadway Limited is a rollicking comedy from the Golden Age of Hollywood, released in 1941. With a star-studded cast including Victor McLaglen, Marjorie Woodworth, and Dennis O'Keefe, the movie takes viewers on a wild adventure aboard America's most famous passenger train at the time: The Broadway Limited.

Set predominantly on a cross-country train ride from Chicago to New York, the movie combines the glamour of old Hollywood with the capriciousness of screwball comedy. Victor McLaglen stars as Ike, a robust and jovial conductor aboard the enigmatic Broadway Limited. Marjorie Woodworth is April Tremaine, a rising Hollywood starlet whose desire for publicity and fame is ingrained deeply within her character, charmingly crafted with a hint of naivete. Dennis O'Keefe plays Mike, a scriptwriter who gets embroiled in a devious scheme that spirals beyond his control.

The plot of Broadway Limited orbits around April's press agent, publicity-hungry Millie, masterfully portrayed by Patsy Kelly. For her client April's career to skyrocket, Millie creates a fake publicity stunt involving a baby they christen 'Patsy' onboard the legendary train, only to make it appear the actress adopted the infant. The impromptu pseudo-adoption is planned to appeal to the human-interest side of April's fans, in the hope of it morphing into a massive publicity boom. Millie believes that this off-the-wall story about finding an abandoned baby will make April the talk of the country and increase her stardom. However, things spiral out of control when the baby-napping plot is misunderstood as an actual kidnapping, attracting the attention of real police and introducing a thrilling chase.

As the story rolls out, hilarity ensues. The intricate web of misunderstandings, clandestine plots, concocted stories, and tongue-in-cheek humor creates a fast-paced and thoroughly entertaining plot line. The movie is replete with amusing performances, delightful dialogues, and keeps you in stitches through comedic timing that is spot on.

Victor McLaglen, an Academy Award-winning actor known for his robust and hearty characters, injects life into the character of Ike. He convinces with his comedic timing and character progression as the jovial and lovable, yet earnest, train conductor dealing with the chaos around him. Marjorie Woodworth shines as an innocent, youthful actress yearning for fame, her character's innocence marvelously balancing McLaglen's exuberance. Dennis O'Keefe, with his witty one-liners as screenwriter Mike, adds further spice to the comedic mix.

It's not just the lead cast that stands out in Broadway Limited. The supporting cast, including Leonid Kinskey as the Russian director Ivan and ZaSu Pitts as the flustered Myra, embellish the already vibrant humor and increase the viewing pleasure. The distinct personalities of the characters work well together, crafting a comic atmosphere that amplifies the movie's charm.

Director Gordon Douglas, known for his laid-back directing style, masterfully mixes a sense of heightened drama with physical humor, making Broadway Limited a comedy classic in its own right. He brings in his expertise at pacing gags, utilizing the constraints of the train setting, and creating knockabout farce to keep the laughter going for the entire running time.

Broadway Limited is not only a memorable tribute to the bygone era of steam engines and luxurious cross-country train travels but also to the days of classic Hollywood, filled with glamor, cheerful performances, and captivating narratives. This movie is a true forgotten gem from the 1940s that offers uncluttered, good-humored fun, imbued with all the charm and sophistication of the Golden Age of Hollywood.

In summary, Broadway Limited is a perfect pick for those who enjoy an old-fashioned comedy. Its robust situational humor, appropriate comic timing, and the idiosyncrasies of the characters make this film a delightful experience. The laughter and charm it promises are timeless, making it a must-watch for any classic movie aficionado. One can merely sit back and enjoy the comedic rollercoaster ride that is Broadway Limited.