Bandleader Terry Moore arrives in Hollywood to make his first motion picture. Terry resents it when the studio wants to remold his walk, his talk, his hair and his clothes. Studio boss Bennett Regan threatens to fire any employee who praises Terry's superb daily performances, in order to keep his arrogant star-to-be in check. Convinced he has failed as an actor, Terry marries his sweetheart, Rita, and takes off for exotic ports unknown. The movie is a big hit, and unbeknownst to Terry, he has become a star. But neither the studio, the press, nor the authorities have any clue regarding the whereabouts of their new sensation.

Hollywood legend James Cagney, taking a break from Warner Brothers Studio, delivers a knockout performance in this Grand National musical picture. William Frawley achieved iconic status at age 64, when he appeared as tightwad landlord Fred Mertz on the "I Love Lucy Show" (1951) and later as "Bub" on "My Three Sons" (1960). Supporting player Dwight Frye gave unforgettable performances in horror classics Dracula (1931), Frankenstein (1931) and The Bride Of Frankenstein (1935).

Cagney is at his best as a Manhattan bandleader in this musical melodrama about Hollywood studio life. Taking a trip to L.A. with his wife, the studio system is soon spun wildly on its head after a series of unfortunate mishaps. Academy Award Nominations: Best Score.