IMDb > Let Freedom Ring (1939)

Let Freedom Ring (1939) More at IMDbPro »


Overview

User Rating:
6.0/10   62 votes
MOVIEmeter: ?
Down 9% in popularity this week. See why on IMDbPro.
Director:
Jack Conway
Writer:
Ben Hecht (original story and screenplay)
Contact:
View company contact information for Let Freedom Ring on IMDbPro.
Release Date:
24 February 1939 (USA) more
Genre:
Drama | Musical | Romance more
Tagline:
Thrill-Blasting Drama of Men and Women at the Turn of a New Era with a cast as big as the Majestic land they Glorify !
Plot:
Railroad owner Jim Knox uses everything to get the land he needs for his new railroad cheaply. Everybody hopes... more | add synopsis
User Comments:
Polemic provides a source of good music. more (6 total)

Cast

  (Cast overview, first billed only)

Nelson Eddy ... Steve Logan
Virginia Bruce ... Maggie Adams
Victor McLaglen ... Chris Mulligan

Lionel Barrymore ... Thomas Logan
Edward Arnold ... Jim Knox
Guy Kibbee ... Judge David Bronson
Charles Butterworth ... The Mackerel
H.B. Warner ... Ned Rutledge
Raymond Walburn ... Underwood - Editor
Dick Rich ... 'Bumper' Jackson
Trevor Bardette ... Gagan

George 'Gabby' Hayes ... Jerry 'Pop' Wilkie (as George F. Hayes)
Louis Jean Heydt ... Ned Wilkie
Sarah Padden ... 'Ma' Logan
Eddie Dunn ... 'Curly' - Bartender
more
Create a character page for: ?

Additional Details

Also Known As:
Song of the Plains (Australia)
Song of the West (USA) (working title)
The Dusty Road (USA) (working title)
more
Runtime:
87 min
Country:
USA
Language:
English
Color:
Black and White (Sepiatone)
Aspect Ratio:
1.37 : 1 more
Sound Mix:
Mono (Western Electric Sound System)
Certification:
Finland:K-16 | USA:Passed (National Board of Review) | USA:TV-G (TV rating) | USA:Approved (PCA #5064)

Fun Stuff

Goofs:
Anachronisms: The setting is 1868, but Steve sings the 1904 song "Ten Thousand Cattle Straying" and the 1912 song "When Irish Eyes Are Smiling". more
Movie Connections:
Referenced in The Big Noise (1944) more
Soundtrack:
Yankee Doodle more

FAQ

This FAQ is empty. Add the first question.
7 out of 7 people found the following comment useful.
Polemic provides a source of good music., 14 June 2001
8/10
Author: rsoonsa (rsoonsa@bandbbooks.com) from Mountain Mesa, California

Scenarist Ben Hecht's tract to ethnic toleration does not lack the production values and quality of acting necessary for its artistic success. Within the format of a Hollywood-style Western, it is an easy task for Hecht to insert his typical hyperbole in the form of some truly crimson prose directed against big business represented by expanding railroad interests. Edward Arnold gives a solid performance as Jim Knox, a railway plutocrat who is determined to manipulate and exploit a polyglot force of European immigrant workers, led by their rough and ready Irish foreman, played to the hilt by Victor MacLaglen in this post-War Between the States musical melodrama. How to oppose Knox' land grabbing is the plight of a small coterie of settlers led by Tom Logan and his recently Harvard-graduated son Steve, portrayed by Lionel Barrymore and baritone Nelson Eddy. Reliable Jack Conway directs with proletarian emphasis, featuring closeups of seamed and craggy-faced railroad laborers, whose basic needs are apparently implemented whenever the sturdy Eddy bursts into song. Eddy employs the method of a clandestine newspaper to undermine the plans of the villainous capitalist Knox, working hand-in-hand with a sidekick, acted very nicely by the extraordinary ad lib performer, Charles Butterworth, whose nonpareil timing is a delight in his every scene. This is the first appearance of the seasoned Eddy without an equal singing partner, and he proves more than capable of carrying the show, although he is joined briefly during one number by his romantic interest, the talented and beautiful Virginia Bruce. Without question a disputation against capitalist profiteering, LET FREEDOM RING is even more a rousing entertainment, knitted with wonderful music, a top-flight cast, and neatly crafted direction.

Was the above comment useful to you?
more (6 total)

Message Boards

Discuss this movie with other users on IMDb message board for Let Freedom Ring (1939)

Recommendations

If you enjoyed this title, our database also recommends:
- - - - -
Across the Universe In Old Chicago Giant Secret Agent X-9 The Phantom Rider
IMDb User Rating:
IMDb User Rating:
IMDb User Rating:
IMDb User Rating:
IMDb User Rating:
Show more recommendations

Related Links

Full cast and crew Company credits External reviews
IMDb Drama section IMDb USA section Add this title to MyMovies

You may report errors and omissions on this page to the IMDb database managers. They will be examined and if approved will be included in a future update. Clicking the 'Update' button will take you through a step-by-step process.