Review of 42nd Street (1933) by Christine M — 24 May 2015

In my opinion, 42nd Street (along with 'The Gold Diggers of 1933') is probably The definitive movie musical of the depression era. It is deliciously pre-code. It has lots lot lovely girls showing a lot of skin (just watch the number called 'Pettin' in the Park').

Unfortunately, the movie suffers from from serious miscasting. Ruby Keeler as the ingenue turned leading lady is utterly charmless and charisma-free. Her line delivery is flat, and her dancing appears clumsy. However, the BEST parts of the movie come whenever Ginger Rogers and Una Merkel appear on screen. Ginger as 'Anytime Annie Lowell', has the looks and the dancing ability that Ruby Keeler is sadly lacking. It's too bad Rogers and Merkel didn't have more screen time. They're both adorable and funny in the 'Shuffle off to Buffalo' number.

I saw the stage production of 42nd Street, which was better than the film, but this movie is definitely worth checking out as a depression era historical piece and for a young, beautiful Ginger Rogers early in her career.