Watch Stage Door

Stage Door is a 1937 film that explores the lives of aspiring actresses living together in a boarding house in New York City. The film is directed by Gregory La Cava and features a star-studded cast including Katharine Hepburn, Ginger Rogers, and Adolphe Menjou. The story follows the lives of the aspiring actresses who live at the Footlights Club, a boarding house for young women trying to make it on Broadway. The boarding house is filled with some of the most talented, ambitious, and passionate actresses in the business. Each woman has her own unique story to tell, and the film explores the ups and downs of their lives as they try to make a name for themselves in show business.

At the center of the story is Terry Randall, played by Katharine Hepburn. Terry is a wealthy young woman with a passion for the theater. She has been studying acting for several years and believes that the Footlights Club is the best place to hone her craft. Terry quickly becomes friends with several of the other women living in the house, including Jean Maitland, played by Ginger Rogers.

Jean is a wise-cracking, sassy performer who has been struggling to find work on stage. She is a bit older than some of the other women in the house, and she is often skeptical of the younger women's dreams of stardom. However, despite her tough exterior, Jean has a soft spot for Terry and sees her potential as an actress.

The film explores the dynamics between the women as they juggle their personal lives with their professional aspirations. Some of the women, like Kay Hamilton and Judy Canfield, use their bodies to gain advantage and get ahead in show business. Others, like Pat Devine and Linda Shaw, take on menial jobs in the theater to try and break into the industry.

Throughout the film, the women face a variety of challenges and setbacks. For example, Terry's wealthy father disapproves of her career choice and wants her to marry a wealthy young man instead. Meanwhile, Jean struggles to maintain her optimistic outlook as she continually faces rejection in auditions.

One of the most compelling aspects of Stage Door is the way the film addresses the harsh realities of show business. The women in the film face sexism, objectification, and outright discrimination as they try to make it on Broadway. The film explores how these women navigate these challenges and support each other through tough times.

Overall, Stage Door is a finely crafted ensemble drama that features some of the most talented actresses of the era. The film expertly captures the ambition, passion, and heartbreak that comes with trying to make it on Broadway. It is a must-see film for anyone interested in the history of theater and the challenges faced by women in the entertainment industry.

Stage Door is a 1937 comedy with a runtime of 1 hour and 32 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.7.