Myrt and Marge – desperate vaudevillians accept an angel investor. Not realizing that he has designs on the female cast members!
Myrt and Marge (1933) starring Myrtle Vail, Donna Damerel, Ray Hedge, Eddie Foy Jr., Ted Healy and his Stooges
Synopsis
Myrt and Marge (1933) is a pre-Code American musical comedy film produced by Universal Studios, directed by Al Boasberg. It stars Myrtle Vail (as Myrt Spear) and her real-life daughter Donna Damerel (as Marge Minter). It also features early appearances by Ted Healy and his stooges—Moe, Larry, and Curly (the Three Stooges) They’re in supporting roles as stagehands hoping to join the show. Along with comic relief from other vaudeville-style performers.
The story centers on Myrt Spear, a seasoned vaudeville performer. Her touring revue is packed with talented acts and poised for a big Broadway breakthrough. But it’s critically short on funds to make the leap, after their investor backs out. Then enters the sleazy, conniving producer Mr. Jackson. He agrees to finance the show. But only because he has ulterior motives. He’s determined to pursue and romance (or more accurately, exploit) the revue’s beautiful young star, Marge.
Myrt, protective of her young co-star, teams up with Marge’s boyfriend Eddie Hanley to outmaneuver the lecherous producer, safeguard the production, and ensure the talented company reaches Broadway without compromising Marge’s virtue or the show’s integrity. So the plot unfolds as a classic backstage musical. It blends vaudeville numbers, and comedy sketches. And light-hearted scheming, with the Three Stooges providing slapstick antics amid the theatrical chaos.
The film is an adaptation of the popular 1930s radio serial Myrt and Marge, and its pre-Code elements include risqué humor and mature themes typical of the era.
Cast
- Myrtle Vail as Myrt Spear
- Donna Damerel as Marge Minster
- Eddie Foy, Jr. (Yankee Doodle Dandy) as Eddie Hanley. Comedian, and romantic interest for Marge. He tries to protect her fromJackson’s unwanted advance. In a clever moment, he substitutes himself for Marge, under the sheets, when Jackson comes in, expecting to be ‘intimate’ with Marge. Instead, Eddie beats him within an inch of his life — then takes out a tape measure! Which gets him arrested for assault …
- Ted Healy (Hello Pop!; Mad Love) as Mullins, the chief stagehand.
- Moe Howard as Mullins’ Helper
- Larry Fine as Mullins’ Helper
- Curly Howard as Mullins’ Helper
- Bonnie Bonnell (The Big Idea) as Suzannah (uncredited) – the running gag has her keep trying to insert herself into the show, and the Stooges keep having to pull her off.
- J. Farrell MacDonald (Topper) as Grady. The original backer, who backs out.
- Thomas E. Jackson (Mystery of the Wax Museum) as Jackson the Angel investor. “Angel” is a bad word for the lecherous, skirt-chasing, would-be rapist. And he’s a married man!
- Ray Hedge as Clarence
- Grace Hayes (Babes in Arms) as Grace
- Trixie Friganza (Free and Easy) as Mrs. Minter. Marge’s mother, who sells her boarding house so that she can become the backer, once Jackson has backed out!
Trivia
- Released November 25, 1933.
- Film adaptation of the popular 1930s radio serial.
- Myrtle Vail and Donna Damerel were mother and daughter in real life. Damerel died tragically in childbirth at the age of 28.
Songs
- What Is Sweeter Than the Sweetness of I Love You
- Music by M.K. Jerome
- Lyrics by Joan Jasmyn
- Performed by Eddie Foy Jr., Donna Damerel, Larry Fine, Moe Howard, Curly Howard, Ted Healy
- Draggin’ My Heels Around
- Music by M.K. Jerome
- Lyrics by Joan Jasmyn
- Performed by Bo Ching, Bo Ling
- Isle of Blues
- Music by M.K. Jerome
- Lyrics by Joan Jasmyn
- Recreation
- Performed by Ted Healy