Go Into Your Dance

Screen greats and off-screen married couple Al Jolson and Ruby Keeler go into their dance with their only movie pairing. The story is a quick-stepping back stager, with Jolson as an irresponsible stage star beholden to a gangster and Keeler as a devoted hoofer who helps the star launch a new show. The cast includes torch singer Helen Morgan. And the production's ties to the landmark 42nd Street are many: Keeler made her screen debut in that film, Harry Warren and Al Dubin return to offer irresistible tunes (with ritzy staging showcasing About a Quarter to Nine and A Latin from Manhattan) and a story by Bradford Ropes, whose novel inspired 42nd Street, is the basis for this film's mix of musical and melodrama. Curtain up!

Broadway legend Al Jolson and his second wife Ruby Keeler costarred in this thin backstage musical. In keeping with Jolson's earlier starring films, the plotline is melodramatic to the point of risibility. Jolson plays an irresponsible performer whose unprofessional antics incur the wrath of Actor's Equity. Suspended from the stage, Jolson spends all his money on gambling, but is "cured" after his wife (Ruby) is wounded when Jolson shoots it out with a rival. Musical highlights include "A Latin From Manhattan", "A Quarter to Nine" (Jolie's at his best here) and the title number. The script of GO INTO YOUR DANCE is predictably full of references to the offstage Jolson/Keeler relationship; reportedly, Al's on-set adlibs became more insulting and abusive as the marriage deteriorated.