Going Hollywood is a romantic musical comedy that blends glamour, fantasy, and music in the early days of the talkie era. The film follows a star-struck schoolteacher who impulsively quits her job and boards a train to Hollywood in pursuit of a famous crooner she has fallen for from afar. As she navigates the eccentric world of filmmaking, she finds herself both in front of the camera and tangled in romantic misadventures behind the scenes.
Genre: Musical, Comedy, Romance
Director: Raoul Walsh
Raoul Walsh was a prolific American director whose career spanned from the silent era to the 1960s. Known for his work in action, adventure, and crime dramas, Walsh had a strong visual sense and a flair for energetic storytelling. He directed landmark films such as The Big Trail (1930) and White Heat (1949), and was admired for his versatility across genres, including occasional forays into musical comedies like Going Hollywood.
Star Cast:
- Marion Davies as Sylvia Bruce
- Bing Crosby as Bill Williams
- Fifi D’Orsay as Lili Yvonne
- Stuart Erwin as Ernest Pratt
- Ned Sparks as Conroy
At the time of its release, Going Hollywood was well-received for its musical numbers and star power, particularly the performance of Bing Crosby, who was rising in popularity as a radio and screen singer. Marion Davies’s comedic charm also earned praise, although some critics felt the plot was thin. Over time, the film has become appreciated as a breezy showcase of early 1930s Hollywood glamour and musical style.
Fun Facts:
- The film features several musical numbers composed by Nacio Herb Brown and Arthur Freed, including “Temptation” and “Beautiful Girl.”
- Bing Crosby’s performance of “Temptation” became one of his signature hits.
- The movie contains a dream sequence with surreal imagery, reflecting the experimental style of early musicals.
- This was one of the last films produced by William Randolph Hearst’s Cosmopolitan Pictures in collaboration with MGM, serving as a vehicle for Marion Davies.
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