Rose of Washington Square

Alice Faye

About Rose of Washington Square

Rose of Washington Square is a 1939 American musical drama film, featuring the already well-known popular song with the same title. Set in 1920s New York City, the film focuses on singer Rose Sargent and her turbulent relationship with con artist Barton DeWitt Clinton, whose criminal activities threaten her professional success in the Ziegfeld Follies. Although the names of the principal characters were changed, the plot was obviously inspired by vaudeville entertainer Fanny Brice's career and marriage to gambler Nicky Arnstein (both the film's title song and "My Man" were closely associated with Brice), and Brice sued 20th Century Fox for $750,000. The studio settled out of court for an undisclosed amount. Written by Nunnally Johnson (who co-produced with Darryl F. Zanuck) and directed by Gregory Ratoff, it stars Alice Faye, Tyrone Power and Al Jolson, with a supporting cast that includes William Frawley, Joyce Compton, Hobart Cavanaugh, Moroni Olsen, Charles Lane, and Louis Prima. 


Year:
1997
7:26
117 
#2

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They call me Rose of Washington Square.
I'm withering there, in basement air I'm fading.
Pose in plain or fancy clothes?
They say my turned up nose
It seems to please artistic people.
Beaux, I've plenty of those.
With second-hand clothes, and nice long hair!
I've got those Broadway vampires last to the mast.
I've got no future, but oh! What a past.
I'm Rose of Washington Square.

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Alice Faye

Alice Faye (May 5, 1915 – May 9, 1998) was an American actress and singer, called by The New York Times "one of the few movie stars to walk away from stardom at the peak of her career." She is remembered first for her stardom at 20th Century Fox and, later, as the radio comedy partner of her husband, bandleader and comedian Phil Harris. She is also often associated with the Academy Award–winning standard "You'll Never Know", which she introduced in the 1943 musical film Hello, Frisco, Hello. more »

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Written by: B. MACDONALD, J.F. HANLEY

Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, CARLIN AMERICA INC, RESERVOIR MEDIA MANAGEMENT INC

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


9 facts about this song

Song Origin
"Rose of Washington Square" is a popular song composed in 1920 by James F. Hanley and Ballard MacDonald long before Alice Faye sang it.
Movie association
Alice Faye performed the song in the 1939 film named after the song itself, "Rose of Washington Square." Faye starred opposite Tyrone Power and Al Jolson in the movie.
Faye’s career highlight
The film and the song are considered to be one of the highlights of Alice Faye's career as an actress and a singer.
Song Setting
The theme of the song, like the movie, is set in the vaudeville era, and it talks about a performer's love for her man, who is a con artist.
Fanny Brice Controversy
The film and song were close to Fanny Brice's personal life, which led to a lawsuit against 20th Century Fox for invasion of privacy. The character of Faye in the movie "Rose Sargent" has been said to mirror Fanny Brice, the comedienne, and singer.
Popularity
Despite some controversy, the song remains a popular standard and it is one of Faye’s best-known performances.
Cover Versions
"Rose of Washington Square" has been covered by many other artists, including Al Jolson, who also appeared in the movie.
Historical Significance
The song became an unofficial anthem for the city of Washington Square in New York.
Legacy
The song played a crucial part in making the 1939 movie a massive box office success, increasing Alice Faye's popularity, and firmly establishing her as a leading lady in Hollywood.

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