Review of The Broadway Melody (1929) by Chance F — 06 Feb 2011
I suppose this film need to be seen in its historical context. It's the first movie musical, coming out a year after the coming of sound. It is the precursor to the greats, Busby Burkley, Fred Astaire, Gene Kelly.
Cid Cherese. It started the Hollywood golden years that were dominated by musicals. Putting all that aside, however, this isn't a very good film. It's overly smultzy and slow. The music isn't that memorable and the dancing is awful.
The story is completely unbelievable, and in the end more or less pointless. The only bright spot is Bessie Love, who shines through all the hum-drum and painful plodding of the rest of the film. I'm glad that this film was a hit when released and ushered in the great musicals of the 40s and 50s, but it's one that's best forgotten.
This review of The Broadway Melody (1929) was written by Chance F on 06 Feb 2011.
The Broadway Melody has generally received mixed reviews.
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