"The Belle of New York"
Already in the year 1897 the musical "The Belle of New York" was written by Gustave Kerker (music) and Hugh Morton (words).
It was the first American musical with international success.
The basic story is that Ichabod Bronson is a millionaire and President of the Young Men's Rescue League and the Anti Cigarette Society. Sadly enough for Ichabod, his own son belongs to the group that Bronson tries to help.
Together with the help of the salvationist Violet Gray, he is able to see Harry, the son, mend his ways and restart a responsible life, so much so as to see Harry take over his father's business.
That Harry and Violet Gray fall in love also makes the joy of everyone complete.
Although it was more or less a flop in the USA, in London alone it was played almost 700 times. The actress Edna May played the main role of the salvationist.
Edna May as Belle of New York
The piece has been filmed a number of times, with scenes and music pieces being changed. When the movie was filmed again in 1952, as a musical for Fred Astaire and Vera Ellen, the music and text were completely revised by Harry Warren and Johnny Mercer.
