Hollywood on Parade (1932)

Interesting facts

Hollywood on Parade is a series of short subject films, produced by Louis Lewyn and released by Paramount Pictures between 1932 and 1934. Each of the 10-minute shorts has a different host, who introduces the various segments and personalities. Popular movie stars are seen speaking or singing in supposedly informal settings, although the action was always staged for the cameras. Other segments are genuinely informal newsreel-type scenes, shot silent, with stars seen playing golf, attending sporting events, or visiting local functions.

Production notes

The Hollywood on Parade theme song was composed by bandleader Hal Grayson and tunesmith Malcolm Beelby, with special lyrics by silent-screen star Clara Bow. The shorts announce Bow's contribution at least twice on screen, and columnist Louella Parsons confirmed Bow's participation in the charity effort: "No one need laugh at Clara Bow's ambition to write verse. Must be good, for Clara has written the lyrics for Hollywood on Parade."

The Hollywood on Parade films were later acquired by producer Phil Goldstone, whose Criterion Pictures re-released them to theaters. These early-1930s reels were now quite dated, with mostly bygone stars. Goldstone modernized them by presenting them as nostalgic novelties, inviting the viewer "down memory lane" to remember the old favorites in the films.

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