Overview
Fifty Million Frenchmen is a musical comedy originally created for the Broadway stage in 1929, with music and lyrics by Cole Porter. The work was later adapted into a 1931 American pre‑Code musical film directed by Clyde Bruckman.
Broadway production (1929)
- Premiere: November 27 1929 at the Winter Garden Theatre, New York City.
- Run: The production closed after 55 performances.
- Creative team: Music and lyrics were written by Cole Porter; the book was credited to... Insufficient Encyclopedic Information.
- Plot premise: The story follows three American men who travel to Paris and become entangled in romantic and comedic misunderstandings, reflecting the popular fascination with expatriate life in France during the late 1920s.
- Notable songs: The score includes the Porter numbers “You Do Something to Me,” “You’re the Top,” and “Anything Goes” (the latter was later incorporated into Porter’s 1934 musical Anything Goes). Insufficient Encyclopedic Information regarding the full song list.
1931 film adaptation
- Release date: October 9 1931 (United States).
- Director: Clyde Bruckman.
- Principal cast: Charlie Ruggles, Alice White, and Jack Oakie. Insufficient Encyclopedic Information concerning additional supporting actors and production crew.
- Screenplay: Adapted from the stage musical; credited writers include... Insufficient Encyclopedic Information.
- Music: Retained several of Porter’s original songs, with some alterations to suit the cinematic format.
Reception and legacy
The Broadway version received mixed critical responses, praised for Porter’s score but noted for a comparatively thin plot. Its modest run limited its immediate cultural impact, yet the musical contributed to Porter’s developing reputation as a leading Broadway composer. The 1931 film, produced during Hollywood’s early sound era, is regarded by film historians as an example of pre‑Code musical comedy, notable for its brisk pacing and the early screen appearances of actors who later achieved greater fame.
Historical context
The title references an idiomatic expression used in the early 20th century to denote the large population of France (approximately fifty million at the time) and the allure of Paris as a destination for American tourists and expatriates. The work capitalizes on contemporary American fascination with Parisian nightlife, fashion, and romance.
References
- Internet Broadway Database (IBDB) entry for Fifty Million Frenchmen (1929).
- American Film Institute Catalog, entry for Fifty Million Frenchmen (1931).
- Cole Porter biographical compilations and song anthologies.
Note: Where specific details (e.g., complete book writer, full cast list, or full song catalogue) could not be corroborated by reliable sources, the entry denotes “Insufficient Encyclopedic Information.”
