The Broken Melody is a 1938 Australian drama film directed by Ken G. Hall and starring Lloyd Hughes, based on a best-selling novel by F. J. Thwaites.

He is overheard one night by a rich couple travelling through the area and soon becomes a well known violinist under the name "John Hilton", working with manager.

He meets a famous singer, Madame Le Lange, and rises to fame as a leading conductor and composer.

[5] American star Lloyd Hughes, who previously appeared in Lovers and Luggers for Cinesound, returned to Australia to play the male lead.

[9] Future Australian Prime Minister Gough Whitlam was a law student at the time and appeared as an extra in this scene.

Noted Australian composer Alfred Hill was especially commissioned to write an operetta for the movie.

There was the choir of 40 voices conducted by R. McLelland and Lionello Cecil, Australian tenor, appeared in the film.

[11][4][12] According to Hall, "Clyde Cross had learned the technique of how to break up a sound track and mark it for playback.

[13] Hall gave the movie a sneak preview in the style of Hollywood studios which produced a strong response and box office performance was solid.

[15] Smith's Weekly said the film was "surprisingly successful, in spite of poor story; music good, general craftsmanship excellent.

"[16] The Bulletin "Cinesound’s latest is a pleasant and capable blending of heart-interest, comedy and tunefulness, and those three ingredients being successfully mixed in the one film marks another step forward for Australian productions.

"[17] In Britain the movie was released under the title The Vagabond Violinist to avoid confusion with the British film, The Broken Melody (1934).