Rose of Washington Square (1939)

Rose of Washington Square Poster

Rose Sargent, a Roaring '20s singer, becomes a Ziegfeld Follies star as her criminal husband gets deeper in trouble.

Introduction of "Rose of Washington Square"
"Rose of Washington Square" is a 1939 American musical drama movie directed by Gregory Ratoff and produced by 20th Century Fox. The movie's story is apparently a fictionalized account of the life of Fanny Brice, a renowned vocalist and starlet of the early 20th century, though it does not officially acknowledge this. It stars Alice Faye, Tyrone Power, and Al Jolson, with Faye playing the titular character, Rose Sargent, a gifted singer and entertainer whose career climb converges with a tumultuous romance.

Plot and Setting
Set in the 1920s, "Rose of Washington Square" starts with Rose Sargent desiring succeed on Broadway. Rose's enthusiasm for efficiency appears as she belts out songs in a speakeasy. She meets Bart Clinton (Tyrone Power), a captivating however unethical bilker who right away ends up being infatuated with her. In spite of his dubious background, Rose falls deeply in love with Bart. As she rises of success, her personal life starts to unravel due to Bart's continuous altercations with the law and his gambling dependency.

The film plates out the timeless environment of allure Age, with energetic musical numbers, period costumes, and a look at the underside of the showbiz market. As Rose's popularity grows, with the assistance of the showman and singer Ted Cotter (played by real-life showbiz legend Al Jolson), Bart's financial and legal problems intensify, developing a plain contrast between Rose's expert highs and her individual lows.

Main Characters and Performances
Alice Faye's portrayal of Rose Sargent showcases her singing talent and acting expertise. Her character is among strength and devotion, unwavering in her support of Bart, even as his actions continually threaten both their relationship and her profession. Faye's performances of the musical numbers, consisting of "I'm Just Wild About Harry" and "My Man", are among the significant highlights of the film.

Tyrone Power's Bart Clinton is a complex antihero, a guy whose love for Rose battles against his self-destructive tendencies. Power brings charisma and depth to the function, making Bart a considerate character regardless of his many flaws.

Al Jolson's function as Ted Cotter is mainly based on his own life as an entertainer. His energetic efficiency and signature blackface regimens, which by modern-day requirements are considered highly controversial and are a reflection of the racial insensitivities of the period, bring an aspect of credibility to the film's representation of 1920s program organization.

Musical Numbers and Choreography
The movie boasts a number of magnificent musical series, which were a staple of Alice Faye's films. Choreographed with the theatrical style of the period, these numbers are created to transfer the audience back in time. Al Jolson's performances punctuate the film and serve as a showcase of the type of entertainment that defined the period.

Themes and Reception
"Rose of Washington Square" delves into styles of love, popularity, sacrifice, and the darker side of human nature. It illustrates how individual choices and the vicissitudes of life can impact one's professional trajectory. Upon its release, the film got combined reviews but has actually since been acknowledged for its strong efficiencies and its role as a cultural artifact of its time.

Rose Sargent's commitment to a flawed partner and her struggle to keep her profession in the face of personal adversity resonated with audiences. Although not strictly a biopic, the movie acted as a loose mirror of Fanny Brice's own storied life, particularly her struggling marriage to bettor Nicky Arnstein.

In summary, "Rose of Washington Square" is a timeless tale of aspiration, love, and strength, set versus the backdrop of the roaring twenties. It's a sweet-sounding representation of showbiz, recording both the glitz and the shadows of a memorable era in American entertainment history.

Top Cast

  • Tyrone Power (small)
    Tyrone Power
    Bart Clinton
  • Alice Faye (small)
    Alice Faye
    Rose Sargent
  • Al Jolson (small)
    Al Jolson
    Ted Cotter
  • William Frawley (small)
    William Frawley
    Harry Long
  • Joyce Compton (small)
    Joyce Compton
    Peggy
  • Hobart Cavanaugh (small)
    Hobart Cavanaugh
    Whitey Boone
  • Moroni Olsen (small)
    Moroni Olsen
    Buck Russell
  • E. E. Clive (small)
    E. E. Clive
    Barouche Driver
  • Louis Prima (small)
    Louis Prima
    Band Leader
  • Charles C. Wilson (small)
    Charles C. Wilson
    Mike Cavanaugh
  • Paul Stanton (small)
    Paul Stanton
    District Attorney