tavm After years of first reading of this movie in a Laurel & Hardy filmography book (They were supposed to appear in this but Stan's illness after Atoll K prevented it. They were replaced by Smith & Dale who I had never seen before.), I finally watched this on a DVD I checked out from the local library weeks ago. In summary, it was quite enjoyable on its own merits though it seemed a bit long during the last 30 minutes when a bit too many numbers were being performed. Still, I liked Tony Martin's singing, at least when he went for more pop tunes though I was amused when he performed "There's No Tomorrow" which would later become Elvis Presley's "It's Now or Never"! Also pretty entertained by Janet Leigh's singing and dancing. Interesting fact: One of Ms. Leigh's early films was a straight part in Words and Music which was supposed to be a bio of Rodgers & Hart where Mickey Rooney performed "Manhatten". Here it's performed by her and Martin with some added lyrics mentioning "South Pacific" which was a current musical by Rodgers & HAMMERSTEIN! She's not bad doing either singing or dancing which was choreographed by the legendary Busby Berkeley. The best dancing is by Ann Miller, of course, every time she spins and taps up a storm! Eddie Bracken and Gloria DeHaven are the comic couple and they're quite funny throughout. I also liked a funny number concerning Bob Crosby and his famous brother who appears as a mannequin but then comes to life at the end though we don't see if that actually was Bing by that point though it certainly looked like him from behind! As for Smith & Dale, well, I thought they were funny enough though part of me can understand why they didn't make too many movies during their lifetime. In summary, I mostly enjoyed Two Tickets to Broadway. P.S. That Indian number at the end is definitely not politically correct today!

mark.waltz Pelican Falls Vermont seems to have a pride that surpasses Broadway conventions. The town band seems to think that they can interrupt the Bob Crosby Show on television (without being stopped by security) to honor through their silly high school sing one of their own who just half an hour was ready to give up her dream for Broadway success. She's Janet Leigh, playing a former majorette named Nancy who just months before got a huge send-off from the same band and chorus who rhymed "Mary Martin" with "Kindergarden" and "Merman" (as in Ethel) with "German".Ironically, the composer of that song was Jule Styne who later wrote a few songs for Ms. Martin for "Peter Pan", and of course, wrote the music for Merman's final Broadway smash, "Gypsy". This Broadway of two male vaudeville performers (Smith and Dale) who run a delicatessen and argue like an old married couple has chorus girls returning from an out of town engagement on a show boat (which sunk) and a hotel for women in show business where the ladies act out a day in the city to the tune of Rodgers and Hart's "Manhattan" (which includes, ironically, new lyrics mentioning Rodgers and Hammerstein's "South Pacific"). Any comparison between this and even early 1950's Broadway reality as as close to life as Disney is.The musical numbers range from corny but fun ("The Worry Bird") to downright tacky ("Petrolium"). Ann Miller gets to do her traditional tap-and-twirl, while Gloria DeHaven is a bit less dainty than normal as the girlfriend of sleazy agent Eddie Bracken who lies to singer Tony Martin and the other girls about getting them a gig on the Bob Crosby television show. Barbara Lawrence, the fourth member of the team, has no other purpose than to fill out the female foursome. Pretty Technicolor is a major plus, although the television show finale, which would be black and white on the air, seems far too lavish for an early network variety show. Bob Crosby's spoof of brother Bing ("Let's Make Comparisons") is a wonderful novelty number, and a humorous acrobatic sketch is another highlight. Ironically, like the Russian ballet in "Bye Bye Birdie" (starring Ms. Leigh"), the acrobatic number is victim to foul play by Bracken so the group can get on the air without having to wait a week.

froberts73 First of all, to those upset about the Indian number - get a life. This was '51. Don't take it so seriously - and keep away from pictures with Mantan Moreland, etc.Then there are the criticisms about Tony Martin. He has the dark look, so some people automatically assume he should portray gangsters. Prejudice, prejudice against dark-haired people. Tsk.Martin sang grand opera in this movie, pop songs, novelties and did beautifully with all of them. Not all of the music was memorable, but even the songs that might be described as mediocre were beautifully presented. The girls were attractive and personable. Miss Leigh was a doll and, yes, she did her own singing and dancing.No one can knock Ann Miller. What a great talent. Speaking of talent, The Charlivels were outstanding as a high wire act, and as dancers.Interesting casting was Max Baer's bro, Buddy, also a boxer, as a tough swabbie.The Bob Crosby number, where he compares himself with brother Bing was very well done - real life situation. The one thing I missed - I wish his band had played some of its trademark Dixieland. OOoops - is that word offensive to northern ears? The plot was ancient but, who cares. Howard Hughes put this together and came up with a fun, pleasant movies.

Steve Tarter A run-of-the-mill musical with Tony Martin and Janet Leigh in the lead roles. Eddie Bracken provides semi-comic relief. You can see the hand of producer Howard Hughes in this one, with its profusion of showgirls and, for 1951, a heaping helping of skin(albeit, G-rated by today's standards).