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PRICING SUPPLEMENT NO. 56 Rule 424(b)(3)
DATED: May 7, 1997 File No. 333-17985
(To Prospectus dated January 22, 1997
and Prospectus Supplement dated January 22, 1997)
$5,434,620,162
THE BEAR STEARNS COMPANIES INC.
MEDIUM-TERM NOTES, SERIES B
WITH MINIMUM MATURITY OF NINE MONTHS FROM DATE OF ISSUE
Principal Amount: Floating Rate Notes Book Entry Notes
$4,000,000 [x] [x]
Original Issue Date: Fixed Rate Notes Certificated Notes
May 9, 1997 [_] [_]
Maturity Date:
May 10, 1999
Option to Extend Maturity: No [x]
Yes [_] Final Maturity Date:
Optional Optional
Redemption Repayment Repayment
Redeemable On Price(s) Date(s) Price(s)
------------- -------- ------- --------
N/A N/A N/A N/A
Applicable Only to Fixed Rate Notes:
-----------------------------------
Interest Rate:
Applicable Only to Floating Rate Notes:
--------------------------------------
Interest Rate Basis: Maximum Interest Rate: N/A
[_] Commercial Paper Rate Minimum Interest Rate: N/A
[_] Federal Funds Rate Interest Reset Date(s): *
[_] Treasury Rate Interest Reset Period: Monthly
[_] LIBOR Reuters Interest Payment Date(s): **
[x] LIBOR Telerate
[_] Prime Rate Interest Payment Period: Monthly
[_] CMT Rate
Initial Interest Rate: ***
Index Maturity: One Month
Spread (plus or minus): +0.10%
-------------------------
* On the 10th of each month.
** On the 10th of each month, commencing June 10, 1997.
*** One month LIBOR as of May 7, 1997, plus 10 basis points.
The distribution of Notes will conform to the requirements set forth
in Rule 2720 of the NASD Conduct Rules.
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