On With the Show (1929) SALLY O'NEIL 🍕BETTY COMPSON 🍕 BACKSTAGE MUSICAL

Experience a groundbreaking moment in film history with this 1929 musical milestone, directed by Alan Crosland—renowned for his work on The Jazz Singer. Set backstage at a lively theatrical revue, the story mixes music, comedy, and romance with the chaos of show business. The ensemble cast features Betty Compson, Sally O’Neil, Arthur Lake, Louise Fazenda, and others, each bringing charm and energy to their roles as performers, producers, and dreamers navigating life behind the curtain. Adding to the film’s legacy is a standout musical performance by legendary singer Ethel Waters in her silver screen debut with “Am I Blue?” and “Birmingham Bertha.” Also featured is Angelus Babe, whose dynamic dance performance exemplifies the high‑energy choreography that defined early movie musical. Known for its elaborate musical numbers, witty dialogue, and colorful visuals, the film offers an early glimpse of the movie musical formula that would dominate the 1930s. 13:55 "Welcome Home" Henry Fink 19:06 "Let Me Have My Dreams" Betty Compson 23:06 "Am I Blue?" Ethel Waters and the Harmony Four Quartette 30:29 "Lift the Juleps to Your Two Lips" Henry Fink 49:04 "In the Land of Let's Pretend" Mildred Carroll 00:58:02 "Don't It Mean a Thing to You?"Mildred Carroll 01:31:13 "Birmingham Bertha" Ethel Waters, dancing by Angelus Babe 01:39:26 "Wedding Day" Sally O'Neil, Henry Fink, Arthur Lake, Josephine Huston