1935 - GOLDDIGGERS OF 1935, Busby Berkley

Busby Berkley directs an entire film for the first time instead of just the musical numbers.

The two musical sequences in this film are the major reason to watch this.  Otherwise the film is mostly a  corny 1930's comedy.  Dick Powell the crooner of choice for Berkley, seems a little less of a simp in this film.  Gloria Stuart who was old Rose in Titanic is his love interest, she can't sing or dance and is as stiff as a board.

The two spectacular production numbers have songs by Harry Warren and Al Dubin, "The Words Are in My Heart" and "The Lullaby of Broadway."  This is obviously where Berkley poured all of creative energy into this film.  The odd of idea of moving pianos with beautiful women playing them is too bizarre to comment on during "The Words Are in My Heart" number.

But even more impressive is the self contained story wrapped into "The Lullaby of Broadway."  In this sequence there is an amazing tap off between dozens of men and women that ends with the death of one of the lead performers.  

Busby Berkley was a unique talent working in a very specialized niche of filmmaking.  He was fortunate enough to be working at Warner Brother's studio which allowed him to experiment  with  complex geometric patterns using actual people as his props.

98 minutes, written by Manuel Seff and Peter Milne.