The Great White Way (1924 film)

The Great White Way (1924 film) is a silent drama film directed by E. Mason Hopper and starring Anita Stewart, Edmund Burns, and Oscar Shaw. Released by Goldwyn Pictures, the film is a melodrama set against the backdrop of Broadway theater in New York City.

The story centers around an aspiring actress, Eleanor "Nell" Blynn (played by Anita Stewart), who leaves her small-town life to pursue her dreams of stardom on the "Great White Way" – a nickname for the Broadway theater district. Nell faces numerous challenges including exploitation, romantic entanglements, and cutthroat competition. She navigates the complex world of producers, actors, and socialites, striving to maintain her integrity while chasing fame. Edmund Burns plays the romantic lead, often portraying a fellow actor or a man torn between Nell and another woman. Oscar Shaw usually plays a prominent role, often as a charming but potentially unscrupulous producer or a rival suitor for Nell’s affections.

While not considered a landmark film of the silent era, The Great White Way offered audiences a glimpse into the perceived glamour and drama of Broadway life during the Roaring Twenties. It capitalized on the public's fascination with the theater world and the allure of fame and fortune. The film's appeal rested on its dramatic narrative, the star power of Anita Stewart, and the elaborate sets and costumes that depicted the extravagance of the era. The film is currently considered lost, with no known complete prints existing. Existing stills and reviews provide the primary source material about the film.