The Best Things in Life Are Free
“John O'Hara's flaming portrait of the jazz age... and the guys and gals who made it Zing!”
Synopsis
Ray Henderson joins Buddy De Sylva and Lew Brown to form a successful 1920s musical show writing team. They soon have several hits on Broadway but De Sylva's personal ambition leads to friction as the other two increasingly feel left out of things.
Top Cast
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Gordon MacRae
B.G. 'Buddy' De Sylva
Dan Dailey
Ray Henderson
Ernest Borgnine
Lew Brown
Sheree North
Kitty Kane
Tommy Noonan
Carl Frisbee
Murvyn Vye
Manny Costain
Phyllis Avery
Maggie Henderson
Larry Keating
Winfield Sheehan
Tony Galento
Fingers
Norman Brooks
Al Jolson
Jacques d'Amboise
Specialty Dancer
Roxanne Arlen
Perky Nichols
Byron Palmer
Hollywood Star
Linda Brace
Jeannie Henderson
Patty Lou Hudson
Susie Henderson
Julie Van Zandt
Patricia Van Seckland
Release History & Theatrical Window
September 28, 1956
Wide Cinema Exhibition
Key Information & Fast Facts
- Director
- Michael Curtiz
- Screenplay & Story
- William Bowers, Phoebe Ephron
- Original Score
- Leigh Harline
- Original Title
- The Best Things in Life Are Free
- Country of Origin
- United States of America
- Spoken Languages
- English
- Runtime
- 1h 44m
- Production Studios
- 20th Century Fox
Creative Leadership & Key Crew
Michael Curtiz
William Bowers, Phoebe Ephron, John O'Hara
Leigh Harline
Leon Shamroy
Dorothy Spencer
Henry Ephron
Department Leadership Roster
William Bowers
Screenplay
Michael Curtiz
Director
Phoebe Ephron
Screenplay
Dorothy Spencer
Editor
Leon Shamroy
Director of Photography
Charles LeMaire
Costume Design
Leigh Harline
Original Music Composer
Henry Ephron
Producer
Age Classification & Content Advisories
Official viewer rating standards and content warnings across international classification boards.
NR: Not Rated — Evaluated outside standard classification boards.
International Certification Matrix
Not Rated — Evaluated outside standard classification boards.
Production Stills & Gallery
Official cinematic photography and background stills for The Best Things in Life Are Free.
Featured In Curated Collections
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Musicals
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Michael Curtiz
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Frequently Asked Questions About The Best Things in Life Are Free
Quick factual answers about cast, synopsis, director, box office, and release information.
What is The Best Things in Life Are Free about?
Ray Henderson joins Buddy De Sylva and Lew Brown to form a successful 1920s musical show writing team. They soon have several hits on Broadway but De Sylva's personal ambition leads to friction as the other two increasingly feel left out of things.
Who directed The Best Things in Life Are Free?
The Best Things in Life Are Free was directed by Michael Curtiz.
Who stars in The Best Things in Life Are Free?
The principal cast of The Best Things in Life Are Free includes Gordon MacRae, Dan Dailey, Ernest Borgnine, Sheree North, Tommy Noonan.
When was The Best Things in Life Are Free released and how long is it?
The Best Things in Life Are Free was released in 1956 with a total runtime of 1h 44m.
Who composed the musical score for The Best Things in Life Are Free?
The original motion picture soundtrack for The Best Things in Life Are Free was composed by Leigh Harline.
What is the age rating and content advisory for The Best Things in Life Are Free?
The Best Things in Life Are Free holds official age classifications: US: NR (Not Rated — Evaluated outside standard classification boards.).