The Hollywood Revue of 1929 (1929) in Color — Starring Conrad Nagel & Jack Benny

Plot Summary

The Hollywood Revue of 1929 is a grand variety show spectacular that assembles the greatest collection of talent ever gathered in a single film. Rather than following a conventional narrative, the film presents a series of musical numbers, comedy sketches, and dramatic performances linked by the hosting duties of Jack Benny and Conrad Nagel, who guide the audience through an evening of entertainment that showcases the full range of MGM’s legendary roster of stars.

The programme includes an astonishing array of performances spanning every genre of entertainment. Joan Crawford sings and dances with youthful exuberance. Buster Keaton performs comedy routines that showcase his legendary physical skills. Norma Shearer and John Gilbert perform the balcony scene from Romeo and Juliet twice — once straight and once as a jazz-age comedy — demonstrating the versatility that made them two of the biggest stars of the transitional era between silent and sound films.

The musical numbers range from intimate solos to elaborate production numbers featuring hundreds of dancers and singers in spectacular choreographed sequences that pushed the boundaries of what early sound technology could capture. The revue includes the first-ever performance of the song “Singin’ in the Rain,” performed by a cast ensemble in a number that would gain immortality when Gene Kelly made it the centrepiece of the 1952 classic. Other musical highlights include performances by Cliff Edwards, Marion Davies, and the legendary Marie Dressler.

The show builds to a grand finale that brings the entire company together in a spectacular sequence that celebrates the magic of Hollywood itself, the talent pool that no other studio could match, and the transformative power of the new sound technology that was revolutionising the industry. The result is both magnificent entertainment and an invaluable historical document that preserves these legendary performers at the peak of their fame.

Cast & Crew

Director: Charles Reisner

Stars: Jack Benny, Joan Crawford, Buster Keaton, Norma Shearer, John Gilbert, Marion Davies, Marie Dressler, Lionel Barrymore, Stan Laurel, Oliver Hardy

The cast represents the most extraordinary assembly of talent in early sound cinema. Jack Benny’s hosting presages his legendary broadcasting career. Joan Crawford’s energetic dance number captures a future screen legend in her twenties. Buster Keaton’s comedy segments preserve the genius of perhaps the greatest physical comedian who ever lived.

Why Buy This Classic in Color?

The colorization of The Hollywood Revue of 1929 brings breathtaking new spectacle to the elaborate production numbers, magnificent costumes, and Art Deco sets, with the enormous cast, lavish staging, and period fashions all rendered in vibrant, dazzling tones that match the film’s celebratory spirit. Now also available in colour. The colour presentation transforms the viewing experience, allowing modern audiences to appreciate the scale and ambition of this extraordinary production in vivid new ways. Buy The Hollywood Revue of 1929 (1929) Colorized – €15.00

Historical Significance

The Hollywood Revue of 1929 is one of the most historically significant films ever produced, featuring the debut performance of “Singin’ in the Rain,” rare sound-era footage of silent legends like Buster Keaton and Norma Shearer, and the largest assembly of major Hollywood stars in a single production. It is an invaluable document of the transitional period between silent and sound cinema. Through colorization, this irreplaceable piece of Hollywood history has been preserved for modern audiences.

Technical Details

• Format: MP4 digital download
• Resolution: HD 720p
• Colorized: Yes — AI-assisted colorization
• Audio: English mono soundtrack
• Runtime: Approximately 130 minutes
• DRM-free: Yes — play on any device
• Instant download: Yes
• Price: €15.00

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Movie-Specific Questions

Q: Is this really the first performance of Singin’ in the Rain?
A: Yes, this revue features the original debut performance of the song that Gene Kelly would later immortalise in the 1952 classic film of the same name.

Q: Does the film have a story?
A: No, it is a variety show format with individual performances, comedy sketches, and musical numbers connected by hosts, similar to a modern awards show or television special.

Q: How many stars appear in the film?
A: Virtually every major star under contract to MGM in 1929 appears, making it the most star-studded cast in early cinema history and an invaluable record of Hollywood’s golden age.

Digital Download Questions

Q: What format is the download?
A: The film is delivered as a high-quality MP4 file that plays on virtually any modern device including computers, tablets, smartphones, and smart TVs.

Q: Is there DRM protection on the file?
A: No, the download is completely DRM-free, meaning you own the file outright and can watch it on any device without restrictions or internet requirements.

Q: How quickly can I watch after purchase?
A: The download is available instantly after payment is confirmed, allowing you to start watching within minutes of your purchase.

Related Colorized Classics

• Show People (1928)
• The Flying Fleet (1929)
• Coquette (1929)
• Pigskin Parade (1936)
• The Bride Wore Red (1937)