Irving Berlin songs highlight this musical about a band leader
and a singer, who quarrel and have difficulty getting together.
In San Francisco Roger Grant (Tyrone Power) plays violin and
works at night. Singer Stella Kirby (Alice Faye) asks for a chance
and sings "Alexander's Ragtime Band" when Roger plays
her song with Charlie (Don Ameche), Davey (Jack Haley), and Bill
(Paul Hurst). Stella quarrels with Roger, and Professor Heinrich
(Jean Hersholt) objects to Roger's ragtime. Charlie calms Stella's
ruffled feelings. The band sings "Everybody's Doing It."
Charlie tells Stella she has improved for the better and sings
"Now It Can Be Told" for her. She sings it but looks
at Roger, and he kisses her. Charlie imitates a chef to get theatrical
producer Dillingham (Joe King) to hear the band. Stella sings
"All Aboard for Alabam." She tells Roger and Charlie
that Dillingham is taking her to New York. Roger gets angry at
Stella and tells Charlie to leave too.
Roger and Davey join the army and get permission to do a show.
Davey sings "You Gotta Get Up" on Broadway. Stella asks
to see Roger; but they have to ship out and skip to the finale,
marching out. After the war Roger returns and sees star Stella.
He asks her to forgive him and says he wants her; but she says
she married Charlie. Davey brings singer Jerry (Ethel Merman)
to Roger, who drinks. Jerry sings "Say It with Music."
A year later Stella and Charlie see Bill bootlegging and learn
that Roger is in Greenwich. Charlie asks Stella to end the marriage,
because she loves Roger. Stella goes to a speakeasy and is welcomed
by Bill, Davey, and Roger. She learns the band is going to Europe.
Ruby (Ruth Terry) just married Davey and tells Stella that Jerry
kept Roger from being a drunk. Jerry sings "Blue Skies. Stella
sadly watches their boat leave. Jerry sings "My Walking Stick"
in London. Stella quits her show and on a train hears "Remember"
on a record. Jerry sings "Steppin'," but Stella sings
"All Alone." In the rain Roger asks Jerry to marry,
but she says he is not in love with her. Roger returns and gets
on radio. Charlie auditions ballads for Roger and says Stella
left after the divorce. Charlie tells Roger she still loves him,
and they try to find her. Stella goes to Bill's restaurant and
learns Roger is looking for her. Roger gives a formal concert
at Carnegie Hall. Stella hears it in a taxi. Charlie sings "Easter
Parade." Stella finds it is sold out, but the taxi driver
(John Carradine) lets her listen to his radio. Jerry sings "Heat
Wave." Finally Stella goes backstage, and Roger gets her
to sing "Alexander's Ragtime Band."
This classic musical is packed with songs and portrays
two artistic temperaments that are mutually attracted but clash
in the unresolved sexual tension.