Imagine a grand dame of society, fresh from a trip to Russia, her heart brimming with a newfound, almost overwhelming, empathy for the "little" people of the slums. This was Diana Borden, the spirited protagonist of the 1937 American musical comedy, "Top of the Town." Her grand idea? To open a nightclub, not just any nightclub, but one perched atop a hundred-story skyscraper, a literal "top of the town" establishment.
But Diana's vision for this lofty venue was far from the usual glitz and glamour. She envisioned a stage for high art – opera singers, dramatic readings from "Hamlet," even quirky imitations by sailors. It was a noble, if perhaps slightly naive, attempt to bridge the gap between her privileged world and the everyday lives of those she felt compelled to uplift. It was about doing something "artistic and socially significant," a phrase that clearly held weight for her.
This artistic idealism, however, was destined to clash with the more pragmatic, entertainment-driven approach of the bandleader, Ted Lane. He, on the other hand, believed the ticket to success lay in "hot music, burlesque acts, and the old razzle-dazzle." You can almost picture the lively debates, the clashing philosophies of entertainment, all unfolding against the backdrop of a city that stretched out below them.
The film, clocking in at a brisk 86 minutes, also holds a special place in cinematic history as the screen debut for a then 12-year-old Peggy Ryan. It’s a charming snapshot of Hollywood in the late 1930s, a time when musicals were a beloved escape, and stories often explored themes of social aspiration and the sometimes-humorous disconnect between different walks of life.
While the film itself might be a delightful piece of vintage entertainment, the phrase "top of the town" conjures up more than just this specific movie. It speaks to aspiration, to reaching for the highest point, whether literally or figuratively. It’s about the view from up high, the perspective gained, and the often-surprising encounters that happen when different worlds collide. It’s a reminder that even from the most elevated positions, the desire to connect with and understand those on the ground can be a powerful driving force.
