Broadway Puzzler #64

Posted: 2/18/04 at 10:53pm

Which Broadway musical was the first to be produced as an all talking film adaptation?

Which Broadway musical was the second transferred to the screen but was the first one to be successful?

Bonus points if you can name the composer of the first.

These two musicals also share a simlar topography and both have had more than one screen adaptation after the two originals film versions.

Posted: 2/18/04 at 11:19pm

The first was MGM's The Broadway Melody in 1929. Music by Nacio Brown and lyrics by Arthur Freed.

Second was Showboat, also in 1929, wasn't it?
Updated On: 2/18/04 at 11:19 PM

Posted: 2/19/04 at 9:30pm

Nice try Vicious, but not the right one.

THE DESERT SONG, composed by Sigmund Romberg was the first all-talking film musical based on a Broadway show. The film opened in 1929, and was not successful despite it being a huge success on Broadway. It was filmed again in 1943 and in 1953 (plus a TV version in 1955).

Later in October, 1929, the film RIO RITA opened and became the first hit film musical based on a Broadway production. The musical was the film adaptation of Ziegfeld's smash Broadway hit which opened the Ziefeld Theatre in Feburary 1927. RIO RITA was filmed again in 1942, starring Katherine Grayson, and Abbott & Costello.

This was tough I know.

Posted: 2/19/04 at 10:03pm

Tricky, tricky, Bulldog. I didn't see that it had to be a Broadway musical.

Cunning little vixen....