The Broadway Melody & The Hollywood Revue

[srowley75]

Hi Moira,

Meant to respond to this much earlier...

I can't stand either of these films, but I wonder if at least a small portion of my hatred for both stems from the fact that they were gimmicky talkies that stole so much award thunder from some excellent silent films with moments of cinematic brilliance (e.g., Docks of New York, Show People, Pandora's Box, The Cameraman, The Wind, The Wedding March) As you suggested in one of your posts, those early talkies seemed to be entirely focused on, well, talking (or singing). It's as though the camera operators went to sleep. Of course, I suppose at least some of the reason for the static camera stemmed at times from having to accommodate the sound recording equipment.

And yes, I heartily agree that seeing both films renews your respect for what was accomplished in 42nd Street and the other Depression musicals. From my perspective, that's probably the only redeeming quality of both.