42nd Street

In 1932, during the Great Depression, Broadway director Julian Marsh (Warner Baxter) is hired to stage Pretty Lady, a musical starring Dorothy Brock (Bebe Daniels), a temperamental star who breaks her ankle on the eve of the show's premiere, forcing Peggy Sawyer (Ruby Keeler), an understudy, to take her place. As rehearsals continue under the direction of Julian Marsh, Peggy gains confidence and catches the eye of Billy Lawler, while also forming an unlikely friendship with Lorraine Fleming (Una Merkel). The film follows their journey as they navigate the challenges of creating a hit show amidst financial struggles and personal relationships.