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With her music-appreciation class dwindling in size year by year, spinster schoolteacher Malvina Adams (Elisabeth Risdon) makes a last bid for relevancy with the kids in the Newton High School swing band by composing a new school song, “Fight on for Newton High.” The kids are less than impressed by the effort, and Malvina decides to retire. Malvina’s niece, Abby (Jean Rogers), isn’t ready for her to throw in the towel and sends the song to a music publisher in New York. The song makes its way into the hands of bandleader Bob Crosby (brother of Bing), who sees its hidden potential. Bob and his arranger (Joseph Buloff) track Malvina down and, with her help, turn “Fight on for Newton High” into a novelty hit. Crosby invites Malvina to perform with his band in New York City, but Abby forbids it, considering it undignified. But even a 60-something teacher needs an exciting night out. Written for the screen by celebrated novelist and screenwriter Nathanael West.
Original Release
12/31/1940
US Release
12/31/1940
Links
Cast
Name | Character |
---|
Bob Crosby | Bob Crosby |
Jean Rogers | Abby Adams |
Elisabeth Risdon | Malvina Adams |
Joseph Buloff | Joe Bellah |
Joyce Compton | Betty |
Benny Bartlett | Tommy |
Louis Jean Heydt | Mr. Stevens / Mr. Botts |
Bill Goodwin | Announcer |
Frank Orth | Mr. Botts |
Grant Withers | Headwaiter |
Directors
Writers
Nathanael West, Helen Phillips, Bernard Dougall
Cast
Name | Character |
---|
Bob Crosby | Bob Crosby |
Jean Rogers | Abby Adams |
Elisabeth Risdon | Malvina Adams |
Joseph Buloff | Joe Bellah |
Joyce Compton | Betty |
Benny Bartlett | Tommy |
Louis Jean Heydt | Mr. Stevens / Mr. Botts |
Bill Goodwin | Announcer |
Frank Orth | Mr. Botts |
Grant Withers | Headwaiter |
Walter Tetley | Eddie |
Benny Rubin | Music Publisher |
Gale Sherwood | High School Singer |
Bob Crosby Orchestra | The Bobcats |
Richard West | |
Effie Anderson | Teacher |
Ray Bauduc | Crosby's Drummer |
Lee Bonnell | Hotel Clerk |
Jane Buckingham | Sue, a Teacher |
Dean Collins | Jitterbug Dancer |
Producers
Name | Role |
---|
Lee S. Marcus | Executive Producer |
Howard Benedict | Producer |