windymel Reviews

Footlight Parade (1933)

Great movie with but one slight oops!

[6 January 2003]

First, there was 42nd Street, then Gold Diggers of 1933. And Now Footlight Parade. These three movies more-or-less solidified new standards in movie musicals and probably prevented the musicals from dying out for some time. Footlight Parade may be the best of the three movies with so many top-notch production numbers. The one I liked best was Shanghai Lil. Beautiful Busby Berkeley choreography with fantastic performances by Ruby Keeler and especially by James Cagney.

I loved this movie so much that - when I bought it - I watched it over and over - just to study the dance numbers - comparing it to such modern-day dancing such as we see from groups such as those in Riverdance.

After watching the number Shanghai Lil countless times, however,I started catching something out of the corner of my eye near the end of the number - but could not pinpoint it at first. Something was amiss - but what? After rewinding the tape and watching the part in question over and over - finally! - I saw it - a little blooper! The men are twirling their rifles - and one, single, solitary male - is out of synch with the rest of the group - but not for more than a few beats. With all that is going on in this number - so many things happening - even switching themes - how strange that this little "oops" caught my eye - even if I had seen that number so many times. Even when I watch that number now, I still have to concentrate to see that one gentleman out of synch.

A great movie, though, for all to enjoy and appreciate.

Broadway Melody of 1940 (1940)

Fred Astaire and Eleanor Powell in in their absolute best

[24 September 2002]

The only movie that starred Eleanor Powell and Fred Astaire, with both at their absolute best. The lines, the ryhythm, the syncopation, the extremely complex dance routines - in complete accord with the phrases of the music and all its variations - and with their making it look all so easy - especially in the Begin the Beguine finale! you would be hard pressed to find either of them in a better performance.

And let's not forget the exceptional talents of George Murphy - he did an excellent job holding up to the talents of first Fred Astaire (their Broadway song in the nightclub) and then Eleanor Powell (in their waltz number).

My all-time favorite movie.