Sing, You Sinners 1938

Joe Beebe Bing Crosby is a chronic gambler and a constant worry for his loving mother Elizabeth Patterson, who wishes he would follow the example of his more responsible brother David Beebe Fred MacMurray, who postpones his marriage to Martha Randall Ellen Drew because Joe cannot support the family. The youngest, Mike Beebe Donald O’Connor, idolizes his gambler brother and dreams of growing up to be just like him. From the start, the Beebe trio treads a fine line between talent and trouble: Joe is always chasing a new angle, while David quietly workers in the garage and hopes for a steady future.

After losing his job at the local gas station for trading gas for rummage articles, Joe heads to Los Angeles and soon wins money at the racetrack. With that money, he buys a swap shop and then trades it for a racehorse named Uncle Gus. Joe’s glowing tales lure Mother Beebe and Mike to California, where they discover the family is teetering on poverty because of Joe’s laziness. David and Martha follow later, only to find their kin struggling despite their best efforts, and the wedding plans are postponed once again. In a bid to stabilize the family, Mother Beebe urges the brothers to turn their musical skills into a professional singing act, performing at a nightclub to bring in steadier income.

Meanwhile, young Mike is chosen to ride in a major race as Uncle Gus’ jockey. One of their competitors, Harry Ringmer [John Gallaudet], bribes the thirteen-year-old into throwing the race. When Mike confides the deception to Joe, the elder Beebe counsels him to race to win and restore the family’s honor. Mike and Uncle Gus eventually win the big race, but Ringmer and a thug confront the brothers in a brutal showdown. David and Mother Beebe come to the rescue, and the fight ends only when Ringmer and his associate concede defeat.

With debts paid and a new wind in their sails, David contemplates stepping away from the stage, but Mother Beebe insists that the family keep their steady singing gigs, and the brothers agree to continue. David sends Martha a telegram inviting her to return to the Beebe clan, suggesting they “marry the four of them,” and the three Beebe brothers press on with their music, loyalty, and shared dream of a brighter future.