Sadly now considered by critics and modern movie fans as "the worst film to ever win best picture". And I couldn't disagree more with everyone on here! People, this film was made in 1929!!!!!! I agree with those who say modern movie fans shouldn't watch this film, that's true. They have no appreciation for older things. This film, now has been reduced to ONLY be viewed by real film lovers. And, I'm sure it will be hard for some people to try and remember not to judge this film by today's awful, tasteless standards but by the standards of films through-out the 20's. I don't care what anyone says, this film has a charm to it that has been lost in films today. And I enjoyed it for what it is. "The Broadway Melody" is the story of two sisters, the Mahoney sisters; Queenie (Anita Page) and Hank (Bessie Love). Who come to New York so they can make it on Broadway with the help of Hank's boyfriend, Eddie Kearns (Charles King). Soon a love triangle follows. I admit, that the film fails as a musical, but, I think as a drama it works. The film doesn't have the pizazz of other films from the early 30's. The dance numbers seem stale and flat. Just watch "Whoopee" made one year after and see those dance numbers. They seem more "splashy". Though, they did try with the "Wedding of the Painted Doll" number. That one sort of had some "glitz and glamour" to it. But, watch the "Broadway Melody" number, and you'll think it's just plain. There's nothing to it. Some might find it interesting to know that Edmund Goulding came up with the film's story. He I believe directed the 1932 film "Grand Hotel" which happened to win the Oscar that year as well. Bottom-line: Though it is seen as merely an important film due to it being the first all talking all singing film, it does carry more with it than that. It has a lost charm to it and I personally like hearing some of the songs; "The Broadway Melody" and "You Were Meant For Me". An entertaining film, that ONLY serious film fans should see! I voted it 10\10
Review of The Broadway Melody
