Review of Born to Dance (1936) by Tonypolito — 14 Aug 2010

So what's not to like?

Eleanor Powell endlessly hoofin' and hip-wigglin' away as the understudy who's being cheated out of the full limelight she's due -- ah, what moves and gams, Eleanor at her very best.

A youthful Jimmy Stewart as Eleanor's swoonin' croonin' love interest.

Virginia Bruce as the spiteful, scheming star/lead, who's gorgeously and constantly draped in sumptuous satins and pearls and hairdos.

A 20ish, foppish Buddy Epsen tap-dancin' away in a sailor's outfit -- and singin' without a Jed Clampett cone-pone accent.

A huge, classic MGM dance-production finale (sans Busby Berkeley) with row-upon-row of leggy gals dancing in all manner of elaborate, glittery, over-the-top outfits and hot-pants, that closes on huge Naval cannons blasting away at the audience.

A Cole Porter score introducing "I've Got You Under My Skin" and "(You'd Be So) Easy to Love" (with Jimmy Stewart at the pipes).

A light sprinkle of campy chuckles from a storyline by mid-Century cut-up Sid Silvers, who also takes on the role of singing sailor "Gunny Sacks.".

And outstanding image quality, right down to every last sparkle of sequin.

If you haven't yet seen one of these classic 1930ish dance productions, here's an excellent place to start. Unfortunately, this jewel is only available within the box set "Classic Musicals From The Dream Factory, Volume 3.".

Thanks, TCM, for the memories.