72. The Footlight Parade

The Footlight Parade
1933

There really isn't that much of a difference between this movie and the previous one.  Even Gold Diggers, my favorite of the set, isn't that different than these films.  Right now, it is just of blur of legs and wisecracks.

This film is superior to 42nd Street, despite their similarities.  The dialogue is a lot witter than the dullness of 42nd's.  I absolutely adore Joan Blondell.  She was an incredibly interesting lady, if you ever want to read about her.  She always comes across as a woman who can hold her own on any stage and she just happens to be beautiful.  Anyway, what is really important in these movies are the musical numbers.

There are three numbers at the end that have to be seen to be believed.  I love musicals.  By that I mean, watching musicals, of course, not starring in them; though I did rock the house as a lady of the court when I was in eighth grade.  Anyway, I think even people that don't particularly like musicals will be astounded by the magnitude of the end productions.

RATING: ****-

Interesting Facts:

John Garfield was rumored to be in one of the numbers but this was later disputed by Judy Garland.

The most stunning of the numbers, "By the Waterfall".

71. 42nd Street

42nd Street
1933

You have probably have heard of this movie before.  I think a musical coming up on the list, The Gold Diggers of 1933, was superior to this one.  But, I should try to give an objective review to this film, never mind that Gold Diggers is better in every single way.

This movie is like The Little Caesar of musicals.  I have reviewed a few musicals before this, but this is the film that really set the framework for all musicals in the future.  The plot is extremely mundane so you can let your mind wander as you read the next two sentences.  The lead actress in a musical twists her ankle and it is up to an inexperienced actress to save the show.  But can she pull it off?  Time to tune in again!

The acting is really dismal and the dialogue is mostly unorginal.  However, the musical numbers are what really sets this movie apart. Busby Berkeley (yes, someone is actually named that) choreographed all the number and the sheer magnitude of those scenes is unbelievable.  This movie is worth seeing just for those scenes, but like I said, Busby really shines in Gold Diggers.

RATING: ***--

Interesting Facts:

This movie singlehandedly saved Warner Brothers from bankruptcy.

The line "Sawyer, you're going out a youngster, but you've got to come back a star!" was voted as the #87 AFI's top 100 movie quotes.

Premiere voted this poster #7 in "The 25 Best Movie Posters Ever".

Revived the movie musical genre.

Final musical number: