By Steve CrumShowgirl in Hollywood was a huge hit at the Winter Garden Theatre in New York City during 1930. From 1928-33, the legendary live stage theatre was leased to Warner Brothers to show their early talkies. The Winter Garden had been one of Broadway’s leading stages since the Shuberts owned it beginning in 1911. It reverted back to being a live stage venue in 1934.
Al Jolson and Ruby Keeler make a cameo appearance in Showgirl in Hollywood. Jolson, of course, is forever associated with the Winter Garden since he headlined several hit productions there in the 1910’s-20s. It was Jolson who had a runway built down the center of the Winter Garden so he could essentially be among his audience while performing. His audiences reportedly went wild when Jolie ran and danced its length while singing.