Melody for Two

1937 film by Louis King

Richard Macaulay
George Bricker
Luci Ward
Joseph K. Watson
Hugh Cummings
Michael Jacoby

Produced byBryan FoyStarring

James Melton
Patricia Ellis
Marie Wilson

CinematographyArthur L. ToddEdited byJack SaperMusic byHeinz Roemheld

Production
company

Warner Bros.

Distributed byWarner Bros.

Release date

May 1, 1937 (1937-05-01)

Running time

60 minutesCountryUnited StatesLanguageEnglish

Melody for Two is a 1937 American musical film directed by Louis King and starring James Melton, Patricia Ellis and Marie Wilson.^[1]^[2]

The film is notable for introducing the song "September in the Rain", which subsequently became a pop standard. The film's art direction was by Esdras Hartley.

Plot

Cast

James Melton as Tod Weaver
Patricia Ellis as Gale Starr
Marie Wilson as Camille Casey
Fred Keating as 'Remorse' Rumson
Dick Purcell as Mel Lynch
Wini Shaw as Lorna Wray
Charley Foy as 'Scoop' Trotter
Craig Reynolds as William 'Bill' Hallam
Bill Elliott as Walter Wilson
Eddie 'Rochester' Anderson as Exodus Johnson
Eddie Kane as Alex Montrose
Gordon Hart as Mr. Woodruff
Harry Hayden as Mr. Armstrong
Billy O'Connor as Specialty Act
Donald O'Connor as Specialty Act
Jack O'Connor as Specialty Act
Glen Cavender as Green Hill Waiter
William B. Davidson as Mr. Hale
Sayre Dearing as Nightclub Extra
Ralph Dunn as Radio Station Official
Dick French as Nightclub Patron
Eddie Graham as Nightclub Patron
Jeanne Hart as Hard-Boiled Girl
Stuart Holmes as Green Hill Headwaiter
Shirley Lloyd as Carlson's Secretary
Carlyle Moore Jr. as Announcer
Ferdinand Munier as Mr. Klepper
Henry Norton as Nightclub Dance Extra
Spec O'Donnell as Page
Robert Paige as Mr. Carlson
Paul Panzer as Green Hill Patron
John J. Richardson as Green Hill Patron
Cyril Ring as Nightclub Table Extra
Cliff Saum as Cigar Salesman
Joseph Watson as Man
Marjorie Weaver as Switchboard Operator
Jack Wise as Nightclub Patron

Reception

Critical response

Frank S. Nugent of The New York Times writes in his review: "Whipping itself into a fine orchestral frenzy, Melody for Two (at the Palace) posts tenor James Melton behind one swing band and alto Patricia Ellis behind another. As friendly enemies in the night clubs and over the airways they are prepared to fight it out, even if it takes all Summer. Mr. Melton has a pleasant voice for a few pleasant Warren and Dubin tunes and Miss Ellis and Wini Shaw handle their vocal stints easily. But nothing much ever happens—certainly nothing you can't afford to miss. Would it surprise you very much if we whispered that the rival bands and band leaders ultimately appear on twin stages for Delight cigarettes? We thought not. . . . The other half of the double bill is Café Metropole."^[3]

References

^ "Melody for Two". Turner Classic Movies. Atlanta: Turner Broadcasting System (Time Warner). Retrieved September 14, 2016.
^ Pool 2008, p. 79.
^ Nugent, Frank S. (May 21, 1937). "THE SCREEN; At the Palace". The New York Times. New York City. Retrieved September 14, 2016.