Watch Breaking The Ice

Breaking the Ice is a musical comedy film released in 1938 featuring child prodigy Bobby Breen. The film follows the journey of a nine-year-old orphan, played by Breen, who is taken in by a traveling medicine show. The young boy, with his exceptional singing talent, becomes the star of the show, but not before facing several challenges.

The film begins with Bobby living at an orphanage, deeply missing his deceased mother. Meanwhile, a traveling medicine show arrives in town, and Bobby sneaks out of the orphanage to witness the show. The show's star performer, Professor Hans Mueller, played by Charles Ruggles, is moved by Bobby's singing, and offers to take him under his wing.

Bobby joins the show, which consists of a group of eccentric performers, including a contortionist, a strongman, and a ventriloquist. While he is initially unable to fit in with the group, Bobby's singing talent wins him the love and admiration of both the performers and the audience.

The group experiences many ups and downs during their travels, including clashes with disapproving townspeople and a financial crisis. But Bobby's talent continues to shine, and the group navigates their way out of any obstacles they encounter.

The plot thickens when a once-successful singer named Nora O'Neil, played by Dolores Costello, joins the troupe after falling on hard times. Nora had been a famous singer in New York, but alcohol addiction had deteriorated her career and personal life. After hearing Bobby sing, she becomes sober and realizes her true passion for music.

Bobby and Nora take the stage together and deliver a heartwarming and show-stopping duet, which becomes the highlight of the show. The audience is moved to tears, and Nora's newfound love for music and life rekindles her career.

Breaking the Ice is a lighthearted and inspiring movie with unforgettable music and dance numbers. The film features catchy tunes such as “Out of the Blue,” “My Heart Belongs to Daddy,” and “You’re My Dish.” The performances by Bobby Breen and Dolores Costello are awe-inspiring, and their chemistry is palpable.

In addition to showcasing Breen's musical talent, the film also sheds light on the struggles of addiction and shows how one can overcome it with support and perseverance. The movie’s underlying themes of friendship, perseverance, and self-discovery are the backbone of the story and make it an enjoyable watch for all ages.

While Breaking the Ice may not be as well-known as some of the other musical comedies of the time, it is undoubtedly a hidden gem that boasts wholesome and heartwarming storytelling. The movie is a testament to the resilience and power of music and reminds us that even in times of trouble, anything is possible with a little help from friends.

Breaking The Ice is a 1938 drama with a runtime of 79 hours. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 5.1.