I'm glad that I've been given the gift of seeing old movies as a product of their time, otherwise I would not be able to get through "The Broadway Melody", "Hollywood Revue", "The Show of Shows", "Rio Rita" or the several dozen other ancient early movie musicals, all released in 1929. This smash hit is the extreme example of why they were so popular in the days before and after the market crash, as they were thoroughly modern and filled with the biggest song hits of the day. Like many others, this is a backstage story, telling the believable tale of what goes on in a Pre-Broadway tryout. The show backstage is more dramatic than the goings on in front of the audience. The leading diva (Betty Compson) has demands that can't be met, and the producer bemoans the lack of funds. As the show goes on, a dramatic robbery occurs, making the situation all the more dire.
Best known for two memorable numbers featuring the legendary Ethel Waters (including her big hit "Am I Blue?"), this also has the rubber legged Joe E. Brown provides the laughs in front of the stage, but he's a pill to deal with backstage. Louise Fazenda, in a fright wig, gets the wisecracks, and the future Dagwood Bumpstead (Arthur Lake) gets falsely accused of the robbery. The dramatic scenes are short and sweet, often interjected during the musical numbers. The show itself seems to be a homage to the recent Broadway smash "Show Boat". Only infrequently static, this is practically perfect in every way. I would have loved some dramatic moments with Waters, truly moving in her brief time on screen. I have the feeling that her scenes could easily be cut for showings in the South, but for me, her involvement in this is as important as the principals. After all, her real life was all about going on with the show, keeping those tears hidden.
Best known for two memorable numbers featuring the legendary Ethel Waters (including her big hit "Am I Blue?"), this also has the rubber legged Joe E. Brown provides the laughs in front of the stage, but he's a pill to deal with backstage. Louise Fazenda, in a fright wig, gets the wisecracks, and the future Dagwood Bumpstead (Arthur Lake) gets falsely accused of the robbery. The dramatic scenes are short and sweet, often interjected during the musical numbers. The show itself seems to be a homage to the recent Broadway smash "Show Boat". Only infrequently static, this is practically perfect in every way. I would have loved some dramatic moments with Waters, truly moving in her brief time on screen. I have the feeling that her scenes could easily be cut for showings in the South, but for me, her involvement in this is as important as the principals. After all, her real life was all about going on with the show, keeping those tears hidden.