Hollywood Hollywood Victor Schertzinger (1937)
Cult Classics
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Classics, History
Hollywood Hollywood (1937), better known by its original title Something to Sing About, is a sharp and entertaining musical satire directed by Victor Schertzinger and starring James Cagney in a rare musical role. The film follows Terry Rooney, a charismatic New York bandleader who gets his big break in Hollywood. But his journey to stardom is anything but smooth—studio executives try to reinvent his image, control his public persona, and suppress his individuality in a bid to shape the “perfect” star.
As Rooney resists the pressures of fame and fights to stay true to himself, the film exposes the absurdities of studio-era Hollywood with biting humor and clever dialogue. James Cagney, best known for his tough-guy roles, shows his range here with song, dance, and charm to spare. Despite its engaging performances and satirical edge, the film struggled commercially and contributed to the decline of Grand National Pictures. In later years, however, it gained cult status for its inside look at the studio system and Cagney’s magnetic performance.
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