The best movie about Broadway is — and I will brook no discussion — “All About Eve.”

“Fasten your seat belts, it’s going to be a bumpy night” is a line that will live on forever.

I don’t think “Birdman,” the new movie with Michael Keaton, will ever rival that one, but I’m glad it’s here. It’s about time Hollywood recognized how important Broadway has become to popular culture.

How much has “Wicked” or “Mamma Mia!” or “The Phantom of the Opera” made over the years? All told, about $10 billion, give or take a few billion, for all concerned.

So, in the spirit of Hollywood’s nod to Broadway, here are my favorites:

“All About Eve” (1950)



The best portrayal of betrayal you’ll ever see: “Here, Eve, why don’t you put this where your heart should be . . .”

“Please Don’t Eat the Daisies” (1960)

Jean Kerr’s loving tribute to her husband, Walter Kerr, the great drama critic of The Herald Tribune. This is a movie that asks the question: How do you live in the suburbs with your family when you have to be at a Broadway opening every night? Answer: Stay away from chorus girls.

“The Producers” (1968)



If you want to know how to raise money for a Broadway show, steal it!

“Jane” (1962)

A rare documentary by D.A Pennebaker about Jane Fonda’s Broadway debut in a terrible play called “The Fun Couple.” Fonda is in the thrall of a creepy director named Andréas Voutsinas, who played Carmen Ghia in “The Producers.” Need I say more?

“Critic’s Choice” (1963)

Bob Hope plays a critic whose wife, Lucille Ball, writes a play. It’s early ’60s, with the decor to match. Best line: Lucy is off to Boston to rewrite her play. Bob looks at her suitcase and says: “Who’s in there? Tennessee Williams?” Look for Rip Torn as the sexy young director.

“Author, Author!” (1982)



Al Pacino as a divorced dad trying to raise his brood at the same time he’s about to open his new play on Broadway. Not a great movie, but full of shots of New York and Times Square in the late ’70s before Disney got here.

“No Way To Treat a Lady” (1968)

A masterpiece, with Lee Remick as a damsel in distress. I can’t give away the plot, but let’s just say the producer is evil and he sits at the end of the bar at Joe Allen’s. Not to be missed.

“Sweet Smell of Success” (1957)

OK, it’s not about Broadway, but a Broadway columnist, J.J. Hunsecker. He’s called “The Eyes of Broadway,” at a time when Broadway defined popular culture. And he wielded the power to prove it.

“ShowBusiness: The Road to Broadway” (2007)



Dori Berinstein’s documentary about the 2004-06 season. There are hits — “Avenue Q,” “Wicked” — and there are flops: “Taboo” and “Caroline, or Change.” And there is yours truly as the villain.

“The Band Wagon” (1953)

Chapter and verse of how to take a show that’s a disaster out of town and turn it into a Broadway hit. With Fred Astaire thrown in for good measure.