The Best Things in Life Are Free Poster

The Best Things in Life Are Free 1956

★ 5.02 votes104 min📅 1956-09-28

"John O'Hara's flaming portrait of the jazz age... and the guys and gals who made it Zing!"

Directed by the legendary Michael Curtiz, *The Best Things in Life Are Free* (1956) is a dazzling musical celebration of the jazz age's golden era.

Director: Michael Curtiz

Cast

Gordon MacRae
Gordon MacRae
B.G. 'Buddy' De Sylva
Dan Dailey
Dan Dailey
Ray Henderson
Ernest Borgnine
Ernest Borgnine
Lew Brown
Sheree North
Sheree North
Kitty Kane
Tommy Noonan
Tommy Noonan
Carl Frisbee
Murvyn Vye
Murvyn Vye
Manny Costain
Phyllis Avery
Phyllis Avery
Maggie Henderson
Larry Keating
Larry Keating
Winfield Sheehan
Tony Galento
Tony Galento
Fingers
Norman Brooks
Al Jolson

Frequently Asked Questions

What is The Best Things in Life Are Free (1956) about?

This vibrant musical drama tells the story of Ray Henderson and his songwriting partners as they soar to fame with Broadway hits. But as their success grows, so does the strain on their friendship, especially when Buddy De Sylva's ambitions begin to overshadow their shared dreams.

Who directed The Best Things in Life Are Free?

The film was directed by Michael Curtiz, best known for his work on classic films like *Casablanca* and *White Christmas*.

Who stars in The Best Things in Life Are Free?

The main cast includes Gordon MacRae, Dan Dailey, Ernest Borgnine, Sheree North, and Tommy Noonan, who bring the story of friendship and fame to life.

Is The Best Things in Life Are Free (1956) worth watching?

Though not rated on IMDb, this film is a gem for fans of 1950s musicals and jazz-age stories. Its catchy songs, dynamic performances, and nostalgic charm make it a worthwhile watch for those who appreciate classic cinema. The themes of ambition and camaraderie add depth to the entertainment value.

How long is The Best Things in Life Are Free?

The Best Things in Life Are Free runs for 104 minutes, perfect for a nostalgic musical escape.

About The Best Things in Life Are Free (1956) — A Jazz-Age Musical with Hits, Heart, and High Stakes

Directed by the legendary Michael Curtiz, *The Best Things in Life Are Free* (1956) is a dazzling musical celebration of the jazz age's golden era. This lively film follows the rise of composer Ray Henderson and his songwriting partners Buddy De Sylva and Lew Brown as they craft unforgettable Broadway hits. But behind the glittering success lies a story of ambition and fractured friendships, as creative differences threaten to tear their partnership apart. With its swinging 1920s vibe, catchy tunes, and vibrant energy, the movie captures the highs and lows of a bygone era where fame and fortune came at a cost.

The Best Things in Life Are Free (1956) blends drama and musical spectacle, featuring a stellar cast led by Gordon MacRae, Dan Dailey, and Ernest Borgnine. The film's core theme revolves around the tension between artistic collaboration and personal dreams, set against the backdrop of a decade defined by jazz, flappers, and the pursuit of the American Dream.