| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Directed by | H. C. Potter |
| Starring | Fred Astaire, Paulette Goddard, Artie Shaw |
| Music by | Artie Shaw, Johnny Mercer, Hal Borne |
| Genre | Musical Comedy |
| Language | English |
| Runtime | Approx. 84 minutes |
| Status | Public Domain |
🎞️ Overview
Second Chorus, a 1940 Hollywood musical comedy, opens with a burst that feels almost too sharp, pulling Fred Astaire, Paulette Goddard, and Artie Shaw into a whirl that never quite evens out. The plot slides through rivalry and a wobbly bit of romance, pushed along by big-band bursts that sweep in suddenly, the way a stray draft rattles a room and leaves you blinking.
Fred Astaire later tossed out the line that it was “the worst film I ever made.” I’ve heard that quote so many times it trails behind the movie like static. Maybe he meant it, maybe he was just being blunt that day. Even so, people who love old Hollywood still cling to this one. The musical breaks hit with quick confidence, the jokes come in sideways, and that 1940s swing rushes through every frame like someone left the band warming up in the next room.
🥁 Plot Summary
Danny O’Neill (Fred Astaire) and Hank Taylor (Burgess Meredith) are talented but lazy trumpet players who have stayed in college for seven years — just so they can keep playing in their beloved jazz band, O’Neill’s Perennials.
Their carefree world changes when they meet Ellen Miller (Paulette Goddard), a beautiful debt collector who ends up becoming their manager. But things get complicated when jazz star Artie Shaw (playing himself) tries to steal Ellen away — both as a manager and possibly more.
In a hilarious series of jealous antics and fake identities, Danny and Hank almost ruin their chance to break into Shaw’s band. But through clever scheming, creative solutions (involving sleeping pills and mandolins!), and a final act of professionalism from Danny, the story ends on a high note — with a show-stopping dance-conducting performance.
⭐ Main Cast
- Fred Astaire as Danny O’Neill
- Paulette Goddard as Ellen Miller
- Artie Shaw as Himself
- Burgess Meredith as Hank Taylor
- Charles Butterworth as Mr. Chisholm
- Frank Melton, Jimmy Conlin, Don Brodie, and more
🎵 Musical Highlights
This film is a treat for music and dance lovers, featuring original choreography and swing-era hits:
- “I Ain’t Hep to That Step But I’ll Dig It” – A comic duet with Goddard and Astaire, filmed in a single take
- “Love of My Life” – Oscar-nominated ballad by Johnny Mercer and Artie Shaw
- “Concerto for Clarinet” – A showcase of Shaw’s jazz-meets-classical style
- “Hoe Down the Bayou” & “Poor Mr. Chisholm” – Comedic performance pieces with Astaire’s signature flair
- Plus: Jazz instrumentals, tap solos, and one deleted dance number (“Me and the Ghost Upstairs”) that survives in some DVD versions
🎥 Behind the Scenes
Though Second Chorus had a rocky critical reception — with Astaire and Shaw both expressing regret — it remains a fascinating glimpse into swing-era Hollywood. The film features:
- Early choreography by Hermes Pan
- Rare musical performances by Artie Shaw and his band
- A satirical look at showbiz, jazz culture, and ambition
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🔖 Tags:
Fred Astaire movies, Paulette Goddard, Artie Shaw, 1940s musical comedy, public domain films, classic Hollywood, swing jazz, Second Chorus 1940, free old movies
