Rose of Washington Square (1939)

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(184 ratings)

This barely-disguised portrait of singer Fanny Brice led to Brice's lawsuit against 20th Century Fox for defamation of character, a case which was settled out of court. Alice Faye plays Rose Sargent, a New York singer of the 1920s who falls for handsome, cocky wheeler-dealer Bart Clinton (Tyrone… More This barely-disguised portrait of singer Fanny Brice led to Brice's lawsuit against 20th Century Fox for defamation of character, a case which was settled out of court. Alice Faye plays Rose Sargent, a New York singer of the 1920s who falls for handsome, cocky wheeler-dealer Bart Clinton (Tyrone Power in a role patterned on Brice's troubled real-life paramour Nicky Arnstein). Rose's new romance is much to the dismay of her pal and former partner Ted Cotter (Al Jolson), who doesn't trust the slick, smooth-talking Bart. Eventually, Rose and Bart marry, but as the entertainment careers of Rose and Ted take off, Bart's tendency to get over his head in get-rich-quick schemes evolves into a bona fide criminal career. Rose finally makes the big time, becoming a popular star with the Ziegfeld Follies, and Bart skips town in order to preserve her reputation. However, Bart is nabbed by the authorities and sentenced to five years in jail. Despite the public scandal, Rose and Bart's devotion remained undiminished. Songs include the classics "California, Here I Come", "Toot Toot Tootsie Goodbye", "I'm Just Wild About Harry" and the perhaps unwise inclusion of "Funny Lady" Brice's signature song, "My Man". ~ Karl Williams, Rovi

Rating, Runtime: Unrated, 1 hr. 26 min.
Directed By: Gregory Ratoff
Written By: Nunnally Johnson
Genres: Drama, Musical & Performing Arts, Classics

In Theaters: May 5, 1939 Wide
On DVD: Oct 7, 2008

Critic Reviews

David Cornelius, DVDTalk.com
Faye and Jolson are enjoyable throughout.

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Featured Audience Ratings

jay n

Except for the names a blantant telling of the Fanny Brice story, Alice even sings My Man! The smoking number is odd to say the least and Al Jolson is very much an acquired taste.

Cast

            Tyrone Power as Bart Clinton

            Alice Faye as Rose Sargent

            Al Jolson as Ted Cotter

            William Frawley as Harry Long

            Joyce Compton as Peggy

            Hobart Cavanaugh as Whitey Boone

            Moroni Olsen as Buck Russell

            E.E. Clive as Barouche driver

            Louis Prima as Himself

            Charles C. Wilson as Mike Cavanaugh

            Hal K. Dawson as Chump

            Ben Welden as Toby

            Paul Stanton as District attorney

            Maurice Cass as Mr. Mork

            Bert Roach as Mr. Paunch

            Harry Hayden as Dexter

            Charles Lane as Sam Kress Booking Agent

            Adrian Morris as Jim

            John Hamilton as Judge

            Winifred Harris as Mrs. Russell

            Murray Alper as Candy Butcher

            Paul E. Burns as Chump

            Chick Chandler as Master of Ceremonies

            Edgar Dearing as Lieutenant

            Ralph Dunn as Officer

            James Flavin as Guard

            Leonard Kibrick as Newsboy

            Horace McMahon as Irving

            Robert "Buddy" Shaw as Reporter
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