Watch Second Chorus

Second Chorus is a delightful 1940 musical comedy directed by H.C. Potter and starring one of the golden age of Hollywood's biggest stars, Fred Astaire, as well as Paulette Goddard and the bandleader, Artie Shaw. The film tells the story of two musical friends, Danny O'Neil (Astaire) and Hank Taylor (Burgess Meredith), who are desperate to break into the professional music world and find their big break. Despite their talent, the two are perpetually broke and struggling to make ends meet. They are also romantic rivals, competing for the affections of the beautiful, talented musician, Ellen Miller (Goddard). In an attempt to get their music career off the ground, they enter a prestigious college music competition, but their love triangle and lack of discipline may prevent them from achieving their dreams. The story follows Danny and Hank as they navigate their complicated romantic relationship and strive to make it in the music industry. Ellen helps them out as their manager, but the path to success is difficult, and they experience a series of setbacks and obstacles along the way. From dealing with egotistical band leaders to performing in a disastrous concert, the pair must learn to work together and put their differences aside if they want to become successful musicians. The film is remarkable for its music, featuring some of the best jazz performances of the era. Artie Shaw’s Orchestra is front and center throughout the movie, and the soundtrack includes some of his most famous recordings. Fred Astaire's dancing is also a highlight, with his trademark light-footed moves and impeccable timing on full display. In one memorable scene, he dances solo while playing the trumpet, showcasing his incredible talent and versatility. The film also carries a strong message about the power of friendship and teamwork. Danny and Hank may be rivals for Ellen's affections, but they ultimately put aside their differences and work together for the sake of their music careers. Their friendship is tested in many ways throughout the film, but they always manage to come out the other side stronger and more united than before. The chemistry between the three leads is palpable, and their performances are uniformly excellent. Astaire is charming and charismatic as always, while Goddard is vibrant and captivating as Ellen. Artie Shaw is a revelation onscreen, showing off his talents as a bandleader and musician. The rest of the cast, including Burgess Meredith as Hank, is also strong, contributing to the film's overall success. While Second Chorus may not be as well-known as some of Astaire's other musicals, it's a true gem of the genre. It delivers all the joys of classic Hollywood musicals, with catchy tunes, energetic dance numbers, and a heartwarming story of friendship and perseverance in the face of adversity. If you're a fan of Astaire's films or classic Hollywood musicals in general, Second Chorus is a must-see.