Varsity Show

Varsity Show is a delightful 1937 musical comedy film directed by William Keighley. It stars talismanic figures of 1930s Hollywood such as Dick Powell, Rosemary Lane, Sterling Holloway, and Fred Waring with his band, The Pennsylvanians.

Dick Powell, charm personified, takes center stage in the lead role of Chuck Daly, a former Broadway star turned nightclub crooner. Chuck is a celebrated Varsity Show producer, who, despite his commercial success, has veered away from the 'serious art' of Broadway and dwells in the glitz and glamour of nightclub performances. He is approached by a persistent team of students from his alma mater, Winfield College, to inject some life into their end-of-year Varsity Show. However, the old college committee is very conservative and fears the shock of a Broadway-style production.

Fred Waring and His Pennsylvanians come into the picture providing a vibrant musical backdrop to the proceedings. Waring was a popular American musician, bandleader, and radio-television personality whose band earned critical acclaim for their work in the film. Ted Healy portrays the arch-conservative, fun policing 'Dean of Winfield College'. Here he plays a pivotal role that becomes a central point in the plot.

The movie Zips along at a brisk pace, offering a wonderful mix of catchy tunes, toe-tapping musical interludes, and clever, often mischievous humor. Moreover, the film is also a fascinating glimpse into the era's broadway and nightclub scene, showcasing the music, dance, and fashion trends of those times.

Varsity Show also has several comic pieces that creatively blend with the overall structure of the movie. The film showcases an engaging story about college traditions, the rebellious spirit of youth, and the music that unites everyone, making it a standout production from the era of classic Hollywood musicals.

Audiences will enjoy the tension-filled plot as the young, eager college students lobby to have popular Broadway star Chuck Daly organize their annual show. They protest increasingly dull, tradition-bound productions that have been churned out by the faculty-appointed producer, who ironically happens to be a former student of Chuck. This idea of old versus new, with music as a catalyst for change, weaves together the various story threads.

The Dean’s forceful character proves to be a significant roadblock to the production, disapproving of its flashy broadway style and youthfulness. The tug of war between the persistent students, helplessly conservative faculty, and the evergreen showman, Chuck, drives the storyline, offering both comedic and dramatic moments.

Musical scenes in the film are grand and energetic. The staging of the song-and-dance numbers, combined with Fred Waring and His Pennsylvanians’ infectious rhythms, contribute significantly to the film's overall charm and vivacity.

Dick Powell’s charismatic performance in the lead role demonstrates his versatile talent for both comedy and serious drama. His portrayal of the quintessential charming rebel against the background of an institutional setting forms an interesting contrast. Rosemary Lane, as the love interest and aspiring actress, serves as a delightful addition and brings a layer of romantic interest to the plot.

The script, written by Jerry Wald, Richard Macaulay, and Sig Herzig, artfully combines a mix of comedy, drama, and romance set in the theatrical world of Broadway and nestled in the heart of a college show. The dialogues are witty and soaked in humor, establishing diverse and dynamic characters that complete the film.

Though Varsity Show might seem a simple musical comedy on the surface, it subtly pushes the understandings of tradition, creativity, and the ever-present need for change. The performers, combined with catchy music, a fast-paced plot filled with conflict, effectively use these themes to keep the audience engaged until the very end.

While providing ample musical entertainment, Varsity Show places an emphasis on the youthful spirit in its many forms - zeal, rebellion, aspiration - and the changes it can bring to deep-rooted traditions. This 1937 classic sure stands out as an immensely entertaining piece from Hollywood's Golden Age and deserves its rightful appreciation by both classic film enthusiasts and new audiences alike.