Review of Gold Diggers of 1933 (1933) by J C — 13 Dec 2007

I love this movie. Definitely lives up to its reputation as the ultimate Depression musical. I had seen 42nd Street and thought that this one would be a slightly more scandolous version of the same thing, but it is so much more.

The musical numbers are great and very creative (like all of Busby Berkeley's musical numbers). My Forgotten Man may very well be the most beautiful, effective and politically revelant song to ever appear in a Hollywood musical, while Pettin' in the Park may be the most openly sexual number you will ever see in Classic Hollywood. Of course all of these numbers have the inventive sets, costumes and staging that are forever linked to Busby Burkeley, but in the case of the Shadow Waltz song he seems to have reached a new height in bizarre spectacle (and I mean this as a compliment).

The cast is made up largely of the familiar faces of this genre who are all very good. Ruby Keeler may be the one exception to this. She can't sing, her dancing doesn't have much grace and her acting is rather pitiful, but you can't help but like her. She is forever the hopeful little chorus girl, and though she may be an odd choice for a leading lady, her vulnerability gives her an enduring charm. Joan Blondell is one actress who I can in no way make a complaint about. She makes every line meaningful. Her recitation of My Forgotten Man is one thing I will never forget. She holds together the plot beautifully, and manages to add a little sincere emotion to her tough talking character. A great show.