They sure don't make movies like this anymore.
ZIEGFELD FOLIES starts off a little badly, with an embarrassing bit with William Powell has Ziegfeld himself. This moment is creaky and sorta creepy. Then we see a brief history of Ziegfeld and his stars represented in puppets, which is, hmm, intriguing.
When the film finally starts, Fred Astaire introduces the first musical moment. Interesting tidbit, Fred Astaire was 45 years old when he made this! We then see Lucille Ball surrounded by a bunch of beauties. Lucille sure was a statuesque beauty when she was young. Not very graceful though. And she doesn't sing or even speak. Thank god. The aura would have been destroyed with her raspy voice. This moment also includes one of the most surreal bits in this very surreal film: we see Lucille whipping a bunch of slinky cat-girls into a frenzy. It's very kinky but tasteful nonetheless. This moment is beautiful but not overwhelmingly so.
This is followed by Virginia O'Brien, who sings/deadpans "Bring on the Wonderful Men." Personally speaking, this is best moment in the film. It captures the true spirit of a Vaudeville show.
Next, Esther Williams plays a goldfish in a bowl.
Then it's the first of several comedy sketches, this one with Keenan Wynn. It's the best comedy sketch in the film.
The "La Traviata" moment is OK but it's way too short.
Next, "This Heart of Mine,", the second of 4 moments with Fred Astaire, the first of two co-starring with Lucille Bremer...Lucille who? (she looks like Bette Davis). This is the most colorful moment in the whole film. It's death by Technicolor. The story doesn't make any sense but who cares.
This is followed by a comedy sketch with Fanny Brice...hmmm. I now know why she wasn't a movie star.
Lena Horne in a very brief musical moment. Good but way too short.
The second musical moment with Fred and Lucille Bremer. Limewhouse Blues. It's beautiful, in its old Hollywood kinda way.
Judy Garland plays an affected movie star surrounded by a bunch of men in "An Interview". One of the best moments in the film. Almost perfect.
Gene Kelly and Fred Astaire dance together cheek to cheek...why? Dunno. They make a cute couple though! Arf.
In the finale, Kathryn Grayson sings while Cyd Charisse dances AND takes a bubble bath.
All in all, it's a very good film. Not a classic but definitely worth watching for fans of Technicolor musicals.
ZIEGFELD FOLIES starts off a little badly, with an embarrassing bit with William Powell has Ziegfeld himself. This moment is creaky and sorta creepy. Then we see a brief history of Ziegfeld and his stars represented in puppets, which is, hmm, intriguing.
When the film finally starts, Fred Astaire introduces the first musical moment. Interesting tidbit, Fred Astaire was 45 years old when he made this! We then see Lucille Ball surrounded by a bunch of beauties. Lucille sure was a statuesque beauty when she was young. Not very graceful though. And she doesn't sing or even speak. Thank god. The aura would have been destroyed with her raspy voice. This moment also includes one of the most surreal bits in this very surreal film: we see Lucille whipping a bunch of slinky cat-girls into a frenzy. It's very kinky but tasteful nonetheless. This moment is beautiful but not overwhelmingly so.
This is followed by Virginia O'Brien, who sings/deadpans "Bring on the Wonderful Men." Personally speaking, this is best moment in the film. It captures the true spirit of a Vaudeville show.
Next, Esther Williams plays a goldfish in a bowl.
Then it's the first of several comedy sketches, this one with Keenan Wynn. It's the best comedy sketch in the film.
The "La Traviata" moment is OK but it's way too short.
Next, "This Heart of Mine,", the second of 4 moments with Fred Astaire, the first of two co-starring with Lucille Bremer...Lucille who? (she looks like Bette Davis). This is the most colorful moment in the whole film. It's death by Technicolor. The story doesn't make any sense but who cares.
This is followed by a comedy sketch with Fanny Brice...hmmm. I now know why she wasn't a movie star.
Lena Horne in a very brief musical moment. Good but way too short.
The second musical moment with Fred and Lucille Bremer. Limewhouse Blues. It's beautiful, in its old Hollywood kinda way.
Judy Garland plays an affected movie star surrounded by a bunch of men in "An Interview". One of the best moments in the film. Almost perfect.
Gene Kelly and Fred Astaire dance together cheek to cheek...why? Dunno. They make a cute couple though! Arf.
In the finale, Kathryn Grayson sings while Cyd Charisse dances AND takes a bubble bath.
All in all, it's a very good film. Not a classic but definitely worth watching for fans of Technicolor musicals.