The Vagabond Lover (1929)

The Vagabond Lover (1929) is an American black-and-white, comedy-drama musical film about a small-town boy who finds fame and romance when he joins a dance band. The film was directed by Marshall Neilan, and is based on the novel of the same name, written by James Ashmore Creelman, who also wrote the screenplay. It marked the debut of Rudy Vallee in his first talking picture, and also starred Sally Blane, Marie Dressler, and Charles Sellon.

The film premièred in New York City on November 26, 1929, and was released wide on December 1. A DVD version was released on March 29, 2005.

The Vagabond Lover is an early example of a vehicle created for a popular music star, in a style echoed by later films such as Love Me Tender with Elvis Presley and A Hard Day's Night with The Beatles.

Synopsis

Rudy Bronson is a senior in a small college in the Midwest. While in school, he completes a correspondence course in the saxophone, given by the nationally known Ted Grant. Bronson and his friends form a band, but have difficulty finding work. Believing that Grant will help them land professional jobs, the band heads to the Long Island, New York home of Grant. Once there, they pester Grant for an interview, to the point where Grant leaves his home, along with his manager, to stay in New York City, until Bronson gives up and goes home.

Actors