Duke Davis has invested all his savings to back his sweetheart, Ethel, in a road show over the old T.O.B.A. circuit, on which they have both been performers since childhood. Marshall, a New York talent scout, makes an offer to Ethel as a single and, to induce her to take it, Duke writes a fake check, made out to him, for $5000 pretending he has sold his contract with Ethel to Marshall. Resentful and heartbroken, she accepts and becomes a big hit in New York. Marshall then books her at the swanky Century Club, plans her show himself, and it flops miserably. Meanwhile, Duke has used his last resources to start a new show, but without Ethel it also fails. He joins the Doc Dorando medicine show, and with him as the speiler for the quack elixir sold by Dorando, it is successful. He becomes Doc's partner with an elaborate trailer and a company of entertainers, including Willie Covans, the Basin Street Boys, The Cats and the Fiddle, "Rubberneck" Holmes and Joe Stevenson. Money is rolling in but he drops everything to hurry to Ethel's side when he hears of her misfortune. Ella, Ethel's faithful companion and maid, has also told Ethel of Duke's sacrifice in order to give her a chance in New York. Duke talks the Century Club owner, Fenton, into allowing him to build an elaborate show based on a medicine show concept, and sends for Doc Dorando and the other entertainers.- L.Adams
Director:William L. Nolte
Writer:Phil Dunham (writer)
Cast (in credits order) verified as complete
Ralph Cooper ... Duke Davis
Lena Horne ... Ethel Andrews
Laurence Criner ... Doc Dorando (as Lawrence Criner)
Monte Hawley ... George Marshall
Willie Covan ... Specialty Tap Dancer
Neva Peoples ... Ella
Vernon McCalla ... Mason (as Vernon McCallum)
Edward Thompson ... Ferdie Fenton
Johnny Taylor ... Dippy, 'Prince Alakazoo'
Ray Martin ... Joe
Guernsey Morrow ... Ed. Lake (as Guersney Morrow)
Charles Hawkins ... Sam, the Stage Manager (as Charlie Hawkins)
Basin Street Boys ... Speciality
Rubberneck Holmes ... Specialty (as Rubber Neck Holmes)
Cats and the Fiddle ... Speciality
Marie Bryant ... Specialty
Swing Band Harlemania Orchestra ... Speciality
rest of cast listed alphabetically:
Everett Brown ... Sheriff
Arthur Ray ... Druggist
Mildred Boyd ... Chorus Girl / Dancer (uncredited)
Joel Fluellen ... Tonic customer (uncredited)
Louise Franklin ... Chorus Girl / Dancer (uncredited)
Avanelle Harris ... Dancer (uncredited)
Lillian Randolph ... Woman With Sciatica (uncredited) (unconfirmed)
Also Known As:
The Bronze Venus (USA)
Runtime:73 min
Country:USA
Language:English
Color:Black and White
Aspect Ratio:1.37
Sound Mix:Mono
Certification:USA:Approved
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