Uploaded May 2025 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago
(Victor 21967)
Recorded 4/1/1929 New York, New York. Liederkranz Hall.
Connecticut Yankees (Musical group)
Rudy Vallée (director)
Thomas Griselle (director)
Rudy Vallée (vocalist : tenor vocal)
Rudy Vallée (songwriter)
Leon Zimmerman (songwriter)
The Vagabond Lover is a 1929 American pre-Code black-and-white musical comedy-drama film about a small-town boy who finds fame and romance when he joins a dance band. The film was directed by Marshall Neilan and is based on the novel of the same name written by James Ashmore Creelman, who also wrote the screenplay. It stars Rudy Vallee, in his first feature film, along with Sally Blane, Marie Dressler and Charles Sellon.
The film premiered in New York City on November 26, 1929, and was released widely on December 1.
The Vagabond Lover is an early example of a vehicle created for a popular music star, in a style echoed by later films such as Jailhouse Rock with Elvis Presley and A Hard Day's Night with the Beatles.
Vallee was angry after viewing the film's trailer, which contained the slogan, "Men Hate Him—Women Love Him." However, it was too late into production for it to be changed.
The film was a box-office success and returned a profit of $335,000. It was one of four top hits for RKO in 1929.
Vallee's band, the Connecticut Yankees, made their film debut in The Vagabond Lover.
"I'm Just a Vagabond Lover": Written by Rudy Vallee and Leon Zimmerman, sung by Rudy Vallee during the credits, also performed by the dance troupe at the benefit.
Vallée did not like the film. In a 1980 interview he said: "They're still fumigating the theaters where it was shown. Almost ruined me. In fact, I think it's only shown in penitentiaries and comfort stations."
Hubert Prior Vallée (July 28, 1901 – July 3, 1986), known professionally as Rudy Vallée, was an American singer, saxophonist, bandleader, actor, and entertainer. He was the first male singer to rise from local radio broadcasts in New York City to national popularity as a "crooner".
Vallée was born in Island Pond, Vermont on July 28, 1901.
(Victor 21967)
Recorded 4/1/1929 New York, New York. Liederkranz Hall.
Connecticut Yankees (Musical group)
Rudy Vallée (director)
Thomas Griselle (director)
Rudy Vallée (vocalist : tenor vocal)
Rudy Vallée (songwriter)
Leon Zimmerman (songwriter)
The Vagabond Lover is a 1929 American pre-Code black-and-white musical comedy-drama film about a small-town boy who finds fame and romance when he joins a dance band. The film was directed by Marshall Neilan and is based on the novel of the same name written by James Ashmore Creelman, who also wrote the screenplay. It stars Rudy Vallee, in his first feature film, along with Sally Blane, Marie Dressler and Charles Sellon.
The film premiered in New York City on November 26, 1929, and was released widely on December 1.
The Vagabond Lover is an early example of a vehicle created for a popular music star, in a style echoed by later films such as Jailhouse Rock with Elvis Presley and A Hard Day's Night with the Beatles.
Vallee was angry after viewing the film's trailer, which contained the slogan, "Men Hate Him—Women Love Him." However, it was too late into production for it to be changed.
The film was a box-office success and returned a profit of $335,000. It was one of four top hits for RKO in 1929.
Vallee's band, the Connecticut Yankees, made their film debut in The Vagabond Lover.
"I'm Just a Vagabond Lover": Written by Rudy Vallee and Leon Zimmerman, sung by Rudy Vallee during the credits, also performed by the dance troupe at the benefit.
Vallée did not like the film. In a 1980 interview he said: "They're still fumigating the theaters where it was shown. Almost ruined me. In fact, I think it's only shown in penitentiaries and comfort stations."
Hubert Prior Vallée (July 28, 1901 – July 3, 1986), known professionally as Rudy Vallée, was an American singer, saxophonist, bandleader, actor, and entertainer. He was the first male singer to rise from local radio broadcasts in New York City to national popularity as a "crooner".
Vallée was born in Island Pond, Vermont on July 28, 1901.
