Length: 104 minutes
Director: Lloyd Bacon
Cast: James Cagney, Joan Blondell, Ruby Keeler, Dick Powell, Frank McHugh, Ruth Donnelly, Guy Kibbee, Hugh Herbert, Claire Dodd, Gordon Westcott, Arthur Hohl, Renee Whitney, Barbara Rogers, Paul Porcasi, Philip Faversham
Eric's Impressions: This is one of many films on the list during the 1930s about what occurs behind the scenes of a theatrical/musical production. Many of the players are the same in these including Dick Powell, Joan Blondell, Ruby Keeler and Guy Kibbee just to name a few. What makes this one stand out is Mr. J-A-M-E-S Cagney. I still haven't seen a film of his that I didn't like and this one is no different. Cagney plays the producer always trying to outdo himself and the final three production numbers promise to blow you away as the underlining love story comes to a close. This was Hollywood showing off and we the viewers reap the benefits of a true mind trip.
Natalie's Impressions: This film could be my favorite musical because of one scene that made me laugh till I cried. Even when I think back on it I laugh out loud. James Cagney wakes up with a cat in his lap after falling asleep at the office. His secretary comes in and he wakes up and immediately starts talking a mile a minute about cats as the new theme for a prologue. He is talking a mile a minute and the fact that it is Cagney just makes it even funnier. It was so unexpected! Cagney made the film for me. Not only is his acting and comic timing right on the money, but he even dances some fancy footwork! Visually the film is stunning. The synchronized swimming is impressive but so is the sheer number of dancers they had to get to perform some of the scenes. For people who like showy musicals, this is the one!
COUNTDOWN: Just 951 movies to go!
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