Broadway Highlights (DVD)

In 1935, Paramount Pictures began Broadway Highlights, a series of one-reel short subjects documenting the most exciting happenings on the Great White Way. The host was Ted Husing, a New York-based reporter and sportscaster who also served as announcer on the popular March of Time radio program. Eight were made between May 1935 and December 1936.

Broadway Highlights #2: A rehearsal of "Laugh with Ken Murray" at the CBS Playhouse, including a comedy skit with Eve Arden. The Wintergarden Theatre celebrates its 25th anniversary as Bert Lahr, Milton Berle, and Frank Fay pay tribute to the Shuberts.

Broadway Highlights #4: Grace Moore is honored with a testimonial dinner at the Ritz-Carlton, including guests Norma Talmadge and George Jessel. At the opening of Connie's Inn, "the nightclub that's bringing Harlem to Broadway," Milton Berle, Mitzi Green, and Alice White are all in attendance. At Madison Square Garden, Rudy Vallee speaks at a benefit for the National Vaudeville Arts. (A young Ed Sullivan, then Broadway columnist for The New York Daily Mirror, makes his first onscreen appearance as part of this segment.)

Broadway Highlights #5: A banquet for noted sportsmen, including Jack Dempsey and Babe Ruth. "Harlem's sensational one-legged dancer", Peg Leg Bates, performs at the Paradise Restaurant. Stars arrive at the opening of Jumbo starring Jimmy Durante at the Hippodrome Theatre, including Ed Wynn, Marion Davies, Fanny Brice, and Burns & Allen.

Broadway Highlights #7: Jack Dempsey guest stars on the NBC radio show "N.T.G. and His Girls." Edgar Bergen and Charlie McCarthy perform at the Lambs Club, the famous actors' organization. Pete the Pup from Our Gang is inducted as the first canine member of the club, and even drinks a mug of beer as part of his initiation! At the Wintergarden Theatre, go backstage with "the most beautiful girls in the world" during a performance of Earl Carroll's Sketch Book.

BONUS: Billboard Girl (1932): Bing Crosby dresses in drag to romance Marjorie "Babe" Kane in this uproarious two-reeler short subject from Mack Sennett. Directed by Leslie Pearce.

• documentary