The Broadway Melody (1929): Shira's Take

I like to think that this movie just has not withstood the test of time. The optimist in me believes that if I had seen this movie in 1929, I may have liked it. As is, seen in 2007, it was boring, depressing, and lacking any purpose. The acting was bad, but that can be explained by the fact that the actors were the singing-and-dancing (and not acting) types. The plot was bad, but it had some good bits with Gift of the Magi-esque sacrifices on the parts of the Mahoney sisters (Queenie and Hank, played by Anita Page and Bessie Love). Basically, it had some entertaining revue numbers and snippets of interesting dramatic character development. Unfortunately, though, those factors do not add up to a good movie. Additional notes to myself: I don't understand how women in the 20s and 30s were not grossed out by wearing entire animals as shawls. Anita Page was adorable. The clothes were fantastic. 4/10