Stage Door Canteen

Stage Door Canteen 1943 is a musical film produced by Sol Lesser Productions and distributed by United Artists. It was directed by Frank Borzage and features many cameo appearances by celebrities. The majority of the film is a filmed concert although there is also a storyline to the film. Black producer Leonard Harper was hired to do the AfricanAmerican casting in New York City.

The film, made in wartime, celebrates the work of the Stage Door Canteen, created in New York City as a recreational center for both American and Allied servicemen on leave to socialize with, be entertained or served by Broadway celebrities. It was made under the auspices of The American Theatre Wing.The real Stage Door Canteen was a basement club located in the 44th Street Theatre in New York City. It could not be used for the filming as it was too busy receiving real servicemen. It was recreated in New York and at the RKO Radio Pictures studio in Culver City. There also was a Stage Door Canteen in the Academy of Music Building in Philadelphia. ........

Source: Wikipedia