Broadway Melody of 1940 is outstanding and one of the best musicals of its decade, while Broadway Melody of 1936 is very good as well. The Broadway Melody that won Best Picture was not a great film really but had some decent merits and is of good historical value. Broadway Melody of 1938 is also a very good film, if not as good as 1940 and 1936. The story is rather tiresome and sometimes strange and while mostly witty and charming the script does have some shoddiness too. The film is beautifully shot and has lavish costumes and sets. The songs are lovely and catchy too, Judy Garland's sweetly poignant You Made Me Love You is the standout, while the choreography is energetic and charismatic. Especially the huge final number, a touch over-produced perhaps but an absolute knockout in all areas. Broadway Melody of 1938 is slickly paced and smartly directed, with some great performances to carry it out. Eleanor Powell demonstrates how amazing a dancer it was, and Robert Taylor is a handsome and dashing leading man(but he was better in 1936). Buddy Ebsen is a lively presence and George Murphy's graceful dancing doesn't disappoint either. Sophie Tucker and Judy Garland are the performers that came off best. Tucker is a hoot and oozes with comic timing and charisma, singing the heck out of her numbers. Garland is very charming and natural, showing her distinctive big voice even at just 15, You Made Me Love You is very touching and is justifiably famous. Overall, very entertaining but not the best of the Broadway Melody series. 8/10 Bethany Cox
Review of Broadway Melody of 1938
