Review of The Great Ziegfeld (1936) by Jeff Z — 14 Jan 2010
The Great Ziegfeld wasn't bad but it could've been about an hour shorter. The musical numbers went on way too long for not really adding much to the story. Admittedly, some of the numbers were truly fantastic from a spectacle and filmmaking standpoint--namely the one before the intermission.
William Powell was his usual likable self but not introducing Myrna Loy until the last 45 minutes was pretty goddamned unforgivable. Of the 13 collaborations that Powell and Loy did together I'd have to say The Great Ziegfeld was the weakest (and before you ask, yes, I did see Song of the Thin Man), which is pretty damned ironic considering this won Best Picture of 1936.
Moments of fun are to be found, but The Great Ziegfeld is just kind of a big mess.
This review of The Great Ziegfeld (1936) was written by Jeff Z on 14 Jan 2010.
The Great Ziegfeld has generally received positive reviews.
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