They Shall Have Music(a.k.a. "Melody of Youth" -- UK; "Ragged Angels")
US (1939): Drama/Musical
Goldwyn's noble attempt to bring classical music to the masses and make a star of violinist Jascha Heifetz. A poor young boy who witnesses a performance by Heifetz is drawn into the world of music. He joins Walter Brennan's music school, which is just barely solvent, and tries to convince Heifetz to play a benefit concert for the troubled institution. Musical numbers include "Rondo Capriccioso," "Hora Staccato," "Melody," "Estrellita," and many more. The cast also includes Joel McCrea, Andrea Leeds, Gene Reynolds and Marjorie Main. Actress Diana Lynn, who used the name Dolly Loehr in the film, was a child prodigy. The ten-year-old actress made her film debut here as the little girl who plays a piano concerto. It's not really clear who directed this picture: One source credits Irmgard von Cube (who was also one of the writers); other sources credit Archie Mayo. William Wyler did direct some of the Heifetz segments. (amctv.com)
1 nomination
· Music Scoring Awards (Best Score) 1939: Alfred Newman