The National Barn Dance is a 1944 American comedy film directed by Hugh Bennett and written by Lee Loeb and Hal Fimberg. The film stars Jean Heather, Charles Quigley, Robert Benchley, Mabel Paige, Charles Dingle and Pat Buttram. The film was released on September 24, 1944, by Paramount Pictures.
Contents
Plot
The story presents a fictionalized origin of the popular radio series National Barn Dance, which aired from 1924 to 1968.
In Chicago, Johnny Burke pitches an idea to the Mitcham Advertising Agency: use a hillbilly group from Midvale to promote Garvey Soup on the radio. Mitcham throws Johnny out, but the determined promoter travels south to Midvale to recruit talent.
Johnny attends a barn dance in Midvale, and meets a group of performers: Lulu Belle and Scotty, Joe Kelly, Pat Buttram, the Dinning Sisters, and the Hoosier Hot Shots. Pretending to be Mitcham's employee, he signs them all to a contract.
Johnny returns to Chicago with the performers, but Mitcham isn't interested in hillbilly music. Johnny comes up with a scheme: pose as servants in Mitcham's house, and play music during a dinner party with the Garveys. The plan works: Mrs. Garvey is delighted with the music, and tells Mitcham to hire the performers.
Cast
Jean Heather as Betty
Charles Quigley as Johnny Burke
Robert Benchley as J.B. Mitcham
Mabel Paige as Mrs. Garvey
Charles Dingle as Mr. Garvey
Pat Buttram as Pat Buttram
Joe Kelly as Joe Kelly
Myrtle Wiseman as Myrtle Wiseman (Lulu Belle)
Scotty Wiseman as Scotty Wiseman
The Dinning Sisters as Sister Singing Act
The Hoosier Hotshots as The Hoosier Hotshots
Frank Kettering as Frank
Paul Trietsch as Hezzie
Charles Ward as Gabe
Ken Trietsch as Ken
Luther W. Ossenbrink as Arkie
National Barn Dance Troupe as Troupe Performers