Roxie Hart (1942)

89% of critics liked it
(9 reviews)
56% of users liked it
(1,064 ratings)

Based on the Ben Hecht/Charlie McArthur play Chicago, Roxie Hart is a short-but-sweet satire of highly publicized court trials. Ginger Rogers plays showgirl Roxie Hart, whose no-good husband kills a man and insists that Roxie take the blame, since juries seldom send a woman to the chair. She agrees,… More Based on the Ben Hecht/Charlie McArthur play Chicago, Roxie Hart is a short-but-sweet satire of highly publicized court trials. Ginger Rogers plays showgirl Roxie Hart, whose no-good husband kills a man and insists that Roxie take the blame, since juries seldom send a woman to the chair. She agrees, figuring that the publicity will be beneficial to her career. Roxie's case is taken by grandstanding attorney Adolphe Menjou, who regards the sacred halls of justice as his own three-ring circus. George Montgomery plays the reporter covering the trial, who falls in love with Roxie and eventually marries her after she dumps her cowardly hubby. Roxie Hart plays fast and loose with legal ethics, but is no less hilarious because of it. Some of the best moments belong to Iris Adrian, as an imprisoned "Bonnie Parker"-type killer who's jealous that Roxie is stealing all the headlines. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi

Rating, Runtime: Unrated, 1 hr. 15 min.
Directed By: William A. Wellman
Written By: Nunnally Johnson
Genres: Musical & Performing Arts, Classics, Comedy

On DVD: Apr 20, 2004

Critic Reviews

Fernando F. Croce, CinePassion
An outstanding gallery of connivers
Bob Bloom, Journal and Courier (Lafayette, IN)
The non-musical version of Chicago. It's fun and cynical.
Dan Lybarger, Nitrate Online
A frequently entertaining precursor of "Chicago" with Rogers at her most charming. Let's just say she gives Renee Zellwegger a run for her money.
Matt Bailey, Not Coming to a Theater Near You
I cannot imagine a film as amusing, biting, erudite, witty, and just plain fun as Roxie Hart being made today, and that is a terribly depressing thought.
Michael W. Phillips, Jr., Goatdog's Movies
Rogers seemed lost.

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Featured Audience Ratings

AJ V

This movie is sensational, funny, and cool. I enjoyed it.
jay n

love old movies, love ginger rogers but this movie even if it is the basis for Chicago is flat footed and dull

Cast

            Ginger Rogers as Roxie Hart

            Adolphe Menjou as Billy Flynn

            George Montgomery as Homer Howard

            Lynne Overman as Jake Callahan

            Nigel Bruce as E. Clay Benham

            Phil Silvers as Babe

            Sara Allgood as Mrs. Morton

            William Frawley as O'Malley

            Spring Byington as Mary Sunshine

            Ted North as Stuart Chapman

            Helene Reynolds as Velma Wall

            George Chandler as Amos Hart

            Charles D. Brown as Charles E. Murdock

            Morris Ankrum as Martin S. Harrison

            George Lessey as Judge

            Iris Adrian as Two-Gun Gertie

            Milton Parsons as Announcer

            Arthur Ayleswofth as Mr. Wadsworth

            Leon Belasco as Waiter

            Stanley Blystone as Policeman

            Harry Carter as Reporter

            Edward Clark as Idlers

            Jeff Corey as Orderly

            Alec Craig as Idler

            Frank Darien as Finnegan

            Leonard Kibrick as Newsboy

            Philip Morris as Policeman

            Jack Norton as Producer

            Pat O'Malley as Policeman

            Frank Orth as Idler

            Bob Perry as Prisoner's Bailiff

            James Pierce as Policeman

            Margaret Seddon as Mrs. Wadsworth

            Lee Shumway as Policeman

            Mary Treen as Secretary

            Billy Wayne as Court Clerk

            Charles Williams as Photographer

            Larry Lawson as Reporter
See full cast