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

The Broadway Melody (1929): Eitan's Take

Sigh. Apparently this is "the grandfather of all movie musicals." In which case, it reminded me of a) why I pretty much disdain all movie musicals and b) why the ones that ARE good are so incredible at overcoming their lame musical identity that they pretty much have to win Best Picture (see West Side Story, My Fair Lady, and Chicago). This was a decent movie about a pair of whip-smart, button-cute Broadway revue performers who share a tiny apartment in Manhattan and take small roles, sleep with songwriters and financiers, and wear a lot of one-pieces and peacock hats on their way to the top. I guess by now we've heard it all before -- ambitious upstarts start at the bottom and Make It Big In New York -- but I'm content with judging this by the standards of the time. This was undoubtedly a fun Hollywood extravaganza, featuring razzle-dazzle stage productions and some slam-bang Ain't-Showbiz-Great writing, so I'm not surprised they went ahead and gave it the Oscar. Some aspects of it really gave me the creeps, though... especially the love triangle that was supposed to be funny but seems out of place here in its awkwardness and tragic implications.

Also, the songs are pretty much terrible. Considering the fact that I watched this film 10 minutes ago and can't for the life of me remember the tune of the title song reflects pretty poorly on this movie's claim to fame as the first great musical. Oh well. Anita Page and Bessie Love play their sister act singing team with a nice mix of sweetness and toughness, and they're blessed with spunk and that gorgeous flapper look, so I can't complain too much.

A decent film that highlights the awkwardness of Hollywood's transition into sound. I give it a 6/10.