Sheet music, Dick Powell - "Forty Second Street"
Object number2002.455.01
Date1933
MediumPaper, Ink
DimensionsOverall: 8 5/8 x 11 1/2 in. (21.9 x 29.2 cm)
Credit LineOld State House Museum Collection
Terms
Richard "Dick" Ewing Powell was a singer, actor, director, and producer who was born on November 14, 1904, in Mountain View (Stone County), Arkansas. Powell attended Little Rock College (now known as the University of Arkansas at Little Rock) before starting his entertainment career. Although initially his primary interest was in music, Powell got his big break after emceeing at movie houses and he was picked up by Warner Brothers. However, Powell found little success until his fifth film, "Forty Second Street." Powell went on to star in over 70 films and TV series. He directed five films and produced seven films and TV series. Powell also hosted the successful radio program "Hollywood Hotel" and the TV show "The Dick Powell Show." Powell died January 2, 1963, from cancer.
Sheet music for the musical "Forty Second Street," starring Arkansas native Dick Powell. The cover is black with light green and white lettering. There are eight small, circular black and white photographs of the actors and actresses around the top and left side of the cover -- (from bottom left to top right) Guy Kibbe, Una Merkel, Dick Powell, Ginger Rogers, Warner Baxter, Bebe Daniels, George Brent, and Ruby Keeler. The cover attributes the lyrics to Al Dubin and music to Harry Warren. The film was produced by Warner Brothers and Vitaphone. There is a section of white across the top of the cover with the name of the musical in black print.
"Forty Second Street," Powell's fifth film, is the film credited with propelling Powell into stardom. The film was a Busby Berkley film directed by Lloyd Bacon. Busby Berkley films were large, showy musical productions that starred large casts of actors and actresses singing and dancing. The films were also known for very large unusual choreographed numbers.
Status
Not on view
