Alexander's Ragtime Band (1938)

Rent DVD by Mail

Theatrical Release Information  |  See Details About All Versions

His Aunt Sophie (Helen Westley) and his teacher Professor Heinrich (Jean Hersholt) are sure that Roger Grant (Tyrone Power) will be a famous classical violinist, but Roger's more interested in popular music. He and his friend, pianist Charlie (Don Ameche), audition at a saloon in San Francisco's Barbary Coast, using sheet music left by singer Stella Kirby (Alice Faye), which had been sent to her by a friend in New York, Irving Berlin. The number, "Alexander's Ragtime Band," proves to be a sensation, and Stella goes along with Charlie's plea to sing with the band, which soon becomes famous for its ragtime numbers. Charlie has fallen in love with Stella by the time they open at the Cliff House, but he soon realizes that she and Roger are in love. Stella is invited to New York by a famous producer, but Roger's against this, and angrily fires her, so Charlie quits, too. When Roger returns from World War I, he meets Stella, only to learn she and Charlie have been married for a year. Another year passes, and Charlie and Davey have formed a new band with Jerry Allen (Ethel Merman) as their lead singer. Charlie knows Stella still loves Roger, so he divorces her, but Roger sails for Europe with the new band. Back in New York, Roger is set for a major concert in swing at Carnegie Hall. Charlie tells Roger about the divorce, and that Stella still loves him. Unable to get a ticket, Stella listens to the concert in a cab. Explaining that he is playing it for one particular person, Roger and his band perform "Alexander's Ragtime Band" as their encore, bringing Stella into the theater, where she's reconciled with Roger. He brings her onstage to perform the number with his band. ~ Bill Warren, All Movie Guide

Theatrical Feature Running Time:
106 mins

Complete Cast:


Director(s):
Henry King
Writer(s):
Richard ShermanIrving BerlinKathryn Scola
Producer(s):
Darryl F. Zanuck
Categories:
RomanceMusic & Performing Arts
Closed Captioning:
Check All Versions
Subtitles:
Check All Versions
Awards:
  • 1938 - Alexander's Ragtime Band - Film Daily - 10 Best Films

Other Ways to Watch*

Buy DVD

New DVD Price:  $10.99
Want to save 5 - 10% on this purchase?
Learn How
See all editions available from  $10.99

Rent DVD In-Store

Preferred Store:
No preferred Stores.
Check for In-Store Rental
* Not all titles are available for download to rent or buy.

BLOCKBUSTER name, design and related marks are trademarks of Blockbuster Inc. © 2009 Blockbuster Inc. All rights reserved.

Portions of Content Provided by All Movie Guide ®, a trademark of All Media Guide, LLC.© 2009 All Media Guide, LLC.