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| The Broadway Melody |
Opening Image – The film starts by panning across New York City from above before settling in a loud, cacophonous music studio where many acts are practicing until finally the male star, Eddie, sings his newest hit that's been picked up by the famed theater producer, Francis Zanfield.
Set-up – Eddie is saving the song for a sister act that's coming into town: the Mahoney Sisters. He's planning on marrying the older one, Hank. However, he immediately falls in love with the younger sister, Queenie.
Theme Stated – The sisters are looking over New York and the younger sister says she's scared about playing New York. Her sister says, "Back to those opera houses and town halls, those cheap hotels... just to save money enough to get to New York to show our act." To me, the theme is the drive to make it on Broadway.
Catalyst – Eddie promises to get them a role in the Broadway Melody revue with Zanfield.
Debate – The girls try out but Zanfield only wants one of them. Queenie talks him into taking them both on one person's salary.
Break Into Two – They have made it into the show and they are in the upside world of Broadway where fame is fleeting.
B Story – The love story is one between the two sisters. Queenie shows her love for Hank when she gets Zanfield to make Hank think he wanted them both.
Fun and Games – Queenie and Hank perform and get to be in the show.
Midpoint – Everything is going okay. Then Eddie makes a pass at Queenie, and she moves to protect Hank by deciding to get involved with Jacques Warriner who wants to set her up in an apartment.
Bad Guys Close In – Queenie starts spending more time with Jacques and her personality changes. Hank is distraught by this and doesn't understand why her sister would do that.
All is Lost – Queenie leaves to take up residence in the apartment provided her by Jacques which of course means that there is no turning back. At the same time, Hank realizes that Eddie really loves Queenie and not her. Hank is devastated as she sends Eddie after her sister.
Dark Night of the Soul – Hank sobs over what has happened with her sister.
Break Into Three – Hank decides to call her uncle and get him to set her up with a new partner.
Finale – Queenie and Eddie have gotten married. Hank has a new partner and is heading to Peoria where they've been booked on an extended engagement.
Final Image – Hank is in a taxi headed towards the train station with her new partner. She says I'll have you back on Broadway and in the Palace in less than six months. "It's cream in the can, baby." But the viewer is not sure that Hank believes it. The camera rests on a New York street scene.
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