Set sail for romance, music and mischief with Heads Up (1930), a pre-Code musical comedy starring Charles "Buddy" Rogers, Helen Kane, Margaret Breen and Victor Moore. Directed by Victor Schertzinger, this Paramount production brings together a young Coast Guard officer, a wealthy family and a yacht with suspicious cargo.

Heads Up (1930) Buddy Rogers Helen Kane Pre-Code Musical Comedy DVD

FEATURES

• Classic 1930 Pre-Code Musical Comedy


• Starring Charles "Buddy" Rogers


• Featuring Singer and Comedienne Helen Kane


• Featuring Margaret Breen and Victor Moore


• Directed by Victor Schertzinger


• Coast Guard Romance and Yachtboard Adventure


• Bootlegging Intrigue and Comic Complications


• Adapted from the Broadway Musical Heads Up!


• Paramount Production


• Black & White Presentation


• With Cover Art

STORY SUMMARY

Young Coast Guard officer Jack Mason falls for Mary Trumbull after meeting her at an academy graduation ball. Their romance faces an immediate obstacle: Mary's socially ambitious mother prefers wealthy suitor Rex Cutting.

A yachting trip gives the family an opportunity to encourage the match, but Mary has doubts about Rex and his activities. Jack remains determined to win her affection despite her mother's interference.

Meanwhile, Mary's mischievous sister Betty keeps things lively, creating comic complications for shipboard cook Skippy Dugan and his labor-saving kitchen.

When Jack discovers evidence of illicit rum aboard the yacht, his romantic pursuit becomes a matter of duty. Suspicious dealings and nautical confusion turn a pleasure cruise into a lively adventure.

Combining early sound-era musical entertainment with romance and Prohibition-era intrigue, Heads Up offers a playful voyage through pre-Code Hollywood.

GENRE

Genre: Movie

Subgenre: Musical / Comedy / Romance / Pre-Code / Nautical Adventure / Classic Hollywood

ACTORS

Charles "Buddy" Rogers

Helen Kane

Margaret Breen

Victor Moore

Helen Carrington

Gene Gowing

Harry Shannon

DIRECTOR

Victor Schertzinger

FILM INFORMATION

Title: Heads Up

Year: 1930

Director: Victor Schertzinger

Writing Credits: Jack Kirkland, John McGowan and Paul Gerard Smith

Based On: The Stage Musical Heads Up!

Original Stage Music and Lyrics: Richard Rodgers and Lorenz Hart

Stars: Charles "Buddy" Rogers, Helen Kane, Margaret Breen and Victor Moore

Cinematography: William O. Steiner

Production Company: Paramount Publix Corporation

Distributor: Paramount Pictures

Original Release: October 11, 1930

Runtime: Approximately 76 Minutes

Country: United States

Language: English

DVD SPECS

Media: DVD-R

Video: NTSC

Region: Region 0

Language: English

Presentation: Black & White

DVD Display Format: 4:3

Audio: English Mono

Original Film Runtime: Approximately 76 Minutes

Artwork: With Cover Art

Compatibility: Please confirm your DVD player supports NTSC DVD-R.

DID YOU KNOW?

• The film adapts the Broadway musical Heads Up!


• Victor Moore appeared in both the Broadway production and the screen adaptation.


• Margaret Breen made her screen debut in the film.


• Helen Kane plays Betty, the mischievous younger sister of Margaret Breen's character.


• The film retained the stage songs A Ship Without a Sail and My Man Is on the Make.


• Yacht scenes were filmed at Port Washington, New York.


• Location work also involved filming the U.S. Coast Guard in New London, Connecticut.


• The bootlegging storyline reflects the film's Prohibition-era setting.

SHIPPING

Processing time is 3–5 business days. Delivery is typically 3–5 business days after shipping. Tracking information is provided by email.

PUBLIC DOMAIN RESEARCH

As a motion picture published in 1930, the original Heads Up film entered the public domain in the United States on January 1, 2026, following expiration of its maximum copyright term.

Later additions, newly created artwork and other separately protected material may carry their own copyrights. Verify the material included in the specific edition used. Copyright status outside the United States may differ.