Now, let’s hear a chorus of ‘If You Knew Eddie’

Comedian Eddie Cantor was fond of remarking that “It’s nice to be important, but it’s more important to be nice.” That’s probably how he made such lasting friends, who will pay tribute to him Wednesday at the Hollywood Heritage Museum.

A contemporary of George Burns and Jack Benny, Cantor, who died in 1964, was a beloved figure who, like them, worked his way through vaudeville to Broadway and Hollywood stardom and also had successful radio and television shows.

To see him perform live was unforgettable: He moved effortlessly, and his high-spirited personality was irresistible. “If You Knew Susie” was his signature song, and he was famous for rolling his “banjo eyes” -- and for fathering five daughters with his wife of 48 years, Ida Tobias.

The tribute includes a screening of “Roman Scandals” (1933), a musical comedy in which he plays a dreamer who imagines himself transported to ancient Rome. (Lucille Ball can be spotted in Busby Berkeley’s production numbers.) Cantor’s co-star Gloria Stuart will attend the screening along with Margaret Kerry-Willcox, who appeared with Cantor in “If You Knew Susie” (1948), and dancer Fayard Nicholas, who appeared with Cantor in “Kid Millions” (1934).

-- Kevin Thomas

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Hollywood Heritage Museum in the Lasky-DeMille Barn, 2100 N. Highland Ave., Hollywood. Wednesday at 7:30 p.m. $8. (323) 874-2276.