Danny O'Neill and Hank Taylor are rival trumpeters with the Perennials, a college band, and both men are still attending college by failing their exams seven years in a row. In the midst of a performance, Danny spies Ellen Miller who ends up being made band manager. Both men compete for her affections while trying to get the other one fired.
Acting
Burgess Meredith plays a horn-blowing chaos gremlin.
Practical Effects
Astaire's dance numbers shot in continuous takes, no cuts.
Score
Real Artie Shaw orchestra swinging through the soundtrack.
Director
H. C. Potter
Fred Astaire
Danny O'Neill
Paulette Goddard
Ellen Miller
Artie Shaw
Himself
Charles Butterworth
J. Lester Chisholm
Burgess Meredith
Hank Taylor
Frank Melton
Stu
Jimmy Conlin
Mr. Dunn
Don Brodie
Clerk
Marjorie Kane
Secretary
Joan Barclay
Receptionist
Phil Arnold
Shaw's First Manager (uncredited)
Bobby Barber
Room Service Waiter (uncredited)
William Benedict
Ticket Taker (uncredited)
Trivia, insights & behind the scenes
Fred Astaire insisted on doing his own trumpet fingering on camera, though he couldn't actually play—he practiced for weeks to look convincing.
This was Artie Shaw's first and only major film appearance; he reportedly hated Hollywood and refused to act again despite studio pressure.
US
