Bottoms Up

Bottoms Up is a 1934 American pre-Code musical comedy film made by Fox Film Corporation, and was directed by David Butler who co-wrote original story and screenplay with producer Buddy G. DeSylva and co-star Sid Silvers. The picture stars Spencer Tracy, Pat Paterson, John Boles and Herbert Mundin, and features Thelma Todd in a supporting role. Plot The film tells the story of a promoter who helps a Hollywood extra actress toward stardom; however, she turns from him toward her leading man. At a film premiere of Judith Marlowe's new film, Smoothie meets Wanda, an aspiring actress, Hal, a singing newspaper agent, and Limey, an impoverished Englishman and forger. Mingling outside, Wanda tells them that she's been dropped by her studio and is very discouraged. Smoothie brings her, Hal, & Spud, home, telling her that he'll promote her and assures Hal & Spud that he'll help them to make money, too. He hears her sing and believes that that'll be her ticket into movies. He tells Limey to set himself up as "Lord Brocklehurst" with Wanda as his daughter (faking a British accent). This will gain them needed attention from film studios. Limey, as "Lord Brocklehurst," and Wanda arrive by train, with Smoothie as their P.A., and Hal as a "Reggie Morris," a singer; they're met by reporters. They check into a hotel, charging everything. The actress from the premier visits and invites them to a large Hollywood party, where they flirt and mingle, making contacts and trying to find work. Limey obtains autographs from different actors. Wanda and Reggie sing and conduct for the company, attracting positive attention. Hal Reed, a famous actor, leaves drunk, saying that he wants to do something better. Wanda chases outside & offers to drive him home. Mr. Wolf, his studio CEO, is horrified by his drunken behavior.