As Hollywood entered the sound era, it was determined that the same public fascinated by the novelty of the talkie would be dazzled by the spectacle of a song and dance film. From movies such as Sunnyside Up and Hallelujah to failures such as The Lottery Bride and Howdy Broadway, this filmography details 171 early Hollywood musicals.

Describes the development of sound motion pictures in Hollywood by such influential companies as Warner Bros and Fox. This book discusses its impact on other mass entertainments, the development of audible news reels and other non-fiction shorts, as well as the origins of animated sound subjects.

The most memorable Hollywood musicals of 1930s showcased the talents of stars like Fred Astaire, Jeanette MacDonald, Bing Crosby and Alice Faye. The less memorable ones didn't. This book takes a look at the unsung songfests of the '30s--secondary or forgotten features with short-lived or unlikely stars from major studios and Poverty Row. Through analysis of films such as Lord Byron of Broadway (1930), Shoot the Works (1934), Bottoms Up (1934), Moonlight and Pretzels (1933) and The Music Goes 'Round (1936), the author profiles such performers as Dorothy Dell, Lee Dixon, Peggy Fears,...