**Billy Rose’s Jumbo**
**Definition**
*Billy Rose’s Jumbo* is a 1935 American musical film produced by Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer, based on the 1935 Broadway stage musical *Jumbo* by Rodgers and Hart. The film features a circus-themed storyline and stars Jimmy Durante, Gloria Stuart, and Martha Raye.
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# Billy Rose’s Jumbo
*Billy Rose’s Jumbo* is a 1935 American musical film produced by Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer (MGM), directed by Walter Lang and Charles Reisner. The film is an adaptation of the 1935 Broadway musical *Jumbo*, which was produced by Billy Rose and featured music by Richard Rodgers and lyrics by Lorenz Hart. The story centers on a struggling circus family and incorporates themes of love, family loyalty, and show business. The film is notable for its elaborate circus sequences and the performances of its leading cast, including Jimmy Durante, Gloria Stuart, and Martha Raye.
## Background and Origins
### The Broadway Musical *Jumbo*
The original *Jumbo* was a Broadway musical that premiered in 1935 at the Hippodrome Theatre in New York City. It was produced by Billy Rose, a prominent theatrical producer and lyricist known for his lavish productions. The musical featured music by Richard Rodgers and lyrics by Lorenz Hart, a celebrated songwriting duo responsible for many classic American songs.
The stage production was notable for its large-scale circus setting, which was unusual for musicals of the time. It included live animals, acrobats, and other circus acts, creating a spectacle that drew large audiences. The story revolved around a circus family facing financial difficulties and the romantic entanglements of its members.
### Transition to Film
Following the success of the Broadway show, MGM acquired the rights to adapt *Jumbo* into a film. The studio sought to capitalize on the popularity of musicals during the 1930s, a decade that saw the rise of the Hollywood musical genre. The film adaptation was titled *Billy Rose’s Jumbo* to emphasize the involvement of the original producer and to highlight the spectacle associated with the production.
## Plot Summary
The film follows the story of Sam Rawlins (played by Jimmy Durante), a circus owner who is struggling to keep his family business afloat. The circus, known as the Rawlins Circus, is facing financial difficulties, and Sam is determined to save it from bankruptcy.
Sam’s daughter, Mickey (Gloria Stuart), is romantically involved with a young man named Matt Mulligan Jr. (Donald Novis), whose father is a wealthy businessman. The relationship faces challenges due to the social differences between the circus family and the affluent Mulligans.
Meanwhile, the circus features a variety of acts, including clowns, acrobats, and animal performers, which provide a colorful backdrop to the unfolding drama. The film combines musical numbers with comedic and romantic elements, culminating in a resolution that emphasizes family unity and the triumph of the circus.
## Cast and Characters
– **Jimmy Durante** as Sam Rawlins: The jovial and determined circus owner who is the patriarch of the Rawlins family.
– **Gloria Stuart** as Mickey Rawlins: Sam’s daughter, who is in love with Matt Mulligan Jr.
– **Martha Raye** as Rose: A comedic performer and member of the circus troupe.
– **Donald Novis** as Matt Mulligan Jr.: The son of a wealthy businessman and Mickey’s love interest.
– **Charles Ruggles** as Matt Mulligan Sr.: A wealthy businessman and father of Matt Jr.
– **Fred Stone** as Major Domo: A circus official.
– **George Jessel** as Joe: A circus employee.
The cast also includes various supporting performers who portray circus acts and contribute to the film’s lively atmosphere.
## Production
### Direction and Cinematography
*Billy Rose’s Jumbo* was directed by Walter Lang and Charles Reisner. Walter Lang was known for his work on musicals and comedies, and his direction helped to balance the film’s comedic and musical elements. Charles Reisner, who had experience directing comedies and working with circus themes, contributed to the film’s pacing and visual style.
The cinematography was designed to capture the spectacle of the circus, with wide shots of the big top and close-ups of performers. The film utilized elaborate set designs and practical effects to recreate the atmosphere of a traveling circus.
### Music and Songs
The film retained much of the original Rodgers and Hart score from the Broadway musical. Notable songs featured in the film include:
– „The Most Beautiful Girl in the World”
– „My Romance”
– „Little Girl Blue”
– „The Circus Is on Parade”
These songs were performed by the cast and integrated into the narrative to advance the plot and develop character relationships. The musical numbers were staged with choreography that highlighted the circus theme, including acrobatic and clown acts.
### Set Design and Costumes
The production design aimed to authentically represent a 1930s circus environment. The sets included a large circus tent, animal cages, and various performance areas. Costumes were designed to reflect the colorful and eclectic nature of circus performers, with bright colors, sequins, and traditional clown makeup.
### Challenges
Filming a circus-themed musical presented logistical challenges, including coordinating live animals and performers, managing complex set pieces, and ensuring the safety of the cast and crew. The production team worked closely with circus professionals to achieve authenticity.
## Reception
### Critical Response
Upon its release, *Billy Rose’s Jumbo* received mixed to positive reviews. Critics praised the film’s musical numbers and the performances of Jimmy Durante and Martha Raye, highlighting their comedic timing and stage presence. The spectacle of the circus scenes was also noted as a strong point.
However, some reviewers felt that the film’s plot was thin and served primarily as a vehicle for the musical and circus acts. The integration of the romantic storyline with the circus setting was seen by some as uneven.
### Box Office Performance
The film performed moderately well at the box office, attracting audiences interested in musicals and circus-themed entertainment. While it did not achieve blockbuster status, it contributed to MGM’s portfolio of musical films during the 1930s.
## Legacy
### Influence on Musical Films
*Billy Rose’s Jumbo* is remembered as part of the wave of 1930s musical films that combined popular stage productions with Hollywood filmmaking. Its use of a circus setting influenced later films that incorporated similar themes of spectacle and performance.
### Preservation and Availability
The film has been preserved as part of MGM’s classic film library. It is occasionally screened at film festivals and retrospectives focusing on early American musicals and circus-themed cinema.
### Related Works
The original Broadway musical *Jumbo* was revived in various forms over the years, and its songs have been recorded by numerous artists. The film adaptation remains a reference point for discussions about the transition of stage musicals to the screen during the Golden Age of Hollywood.
## Conclusion
*Billy Rose’s Jumbo* stands as a notable example of 1930s American musical cinema, combining the spectacle of the circus with the charm of Rodgers and Hart’s music. While it may not be as widely remembered as other musicals of its era, it offers insight into the entertainment culture of the time and the challenges of adapting large-scale stage productions for film.
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**Meta Description:**
*Billy Rose’s Jumbo* is a 1935 American musical film based on the Broadway musical *Jumbo*, featuring a circus-themed story and songs by Rodgers and Hart. The film stars Jimmy Durante and Gloria Stuart in a colorful depiction of circus life and family drama.