Hollywood To 52nd Street
I Want To Be Happy and Tea For Two are two compositions that received a third set of bows when they appeared in the 1940 Hollywood musical comedy remake of No, No, Nanette. The music was composed by Vincent Youmans, with lyrics by Irving Caesar and Otto Harbach. The film was based first on Frank Mandel’s 1919 Broadway play My Lady Friends, which would become the 1924 Chicago hit play No, No, Nanette before landing on Broadway in 1925. Then in 1930 the play became a film, with its most successful remake in the 1940 film.
The Story: Perky young Nanette attempts to save the marriage of her uncle and aunt by untangling Uncle Jimmy from several innocent but ensnaring flirtations. Attempting one such undoing, Nanette enlists the help of theatrical producer Bill Trainor, who promptly falls in love with her. The same thing happens when artist Tom Gillespie is called upon for help. But soon Uncle Jimmy’s flirtations become too numerous, and Nanette’s romances with Tom and Bill run afoul. Will Uncle Jimmy’s marriage survive, and who will Nanette find happiness with?
The 1940 film starred Anna Neagle, Richard Carlson, Victor Mature, Roland Young, Helen Broderick, ZaSu Pitts, Eve Arden and Billy Gilbert. Supporting cast included Tamara, Stuart Robertson, Dorothea Kent, Aubrey Mather, Mary Gordon and Russell Hicks.
