BUSBY BERKELEY - RUBY KEELER IN 42ND STREET (a film by ROY DEL RUTH - 1933)

[bmadejczyk]

LIke my theater profs told me, "if it's a great show, everybody gets credit except the director; if the shows a flop, everybody blames the director." Such is life in the theater, folks.

[bettydaw1970]

aww yea!!!!

[cmmonzon]

This is a classic musical . Thank you B. Busby.

[JP51ism]

I've discovered the chap in the hat is Warner Baxter, winner of the 2nd Academy Award and the highest-paid actor in 1936 !

[JP51ism]

Who is the dejected man in the fedora grimacing at the remarks of the exiting audience?

[bmadejczyk]

@JP51ism It's the director. See my other post.

[blacsouljah]

Busby Berkley was a master of the genre. This is another example of the golden age of American film.

[grmey78]

At the time of the movie 42nd street she was married to Al Jolson.. I love Ruby Keeler. Busbey Berkeley was the greatest. I wonder if they could make this movie today?

[strykertool]

simple and elegant. Steven Spielberg.. take note.. i think you are capable of doing a musical like this !

[MsMaynes]

Ruby Keeler the dancing carthorse. However she had a sort of hypnotic affect on the audience. This movie is unforgetable, one of the greats. Especially the finale and Joan Blondel's superb performance of My Forgotten Man.

[TomZarek24]

@MsMaynes FYI, "My Forgotten Man" is from Golddiggers of 1933 not 42nd Street

[MsMaynes]

@TomZarek24

You are right 'My Forgotten Man' sung by the incomparable Miss Joan Blondel; is from Golddiggers of 1933. They really knew how to make pictures in those days!

[JudgeJulieLit]

Ruby's dance style (clog 'n' stuff) . . . charmingly unique; she's sui generis. Always adorable. In any century.

[McGrenzer]

Even the policeman's horse dances in this Busby Berkeley production number!

[MPL029]

While Ruby Keeler may not have been the greatest singer/dancer..she embodies the 1930's NYC chorus girl.

[JudgeJulieLit]

@MPL029 If by greatest dancers we mean they (like Eleanor Powell) who dance at superhuman speed and precision, then Ruby K was not that. In this film she has the naivete and ingenuousness of the young chorus girl, but as a chorus girl's strength is best to blend in & synchronize with other chorus girls, then Ruby's irrepressibly unique, radiant soul that expresses in her happy-go-lucky, slightly off yet always centered dance movements (and highly emotive facial expressions) makes her a star.

[MPL029]

@JudgeJulieLit I agree she is competent..but her steps in this movie are basic tap steps....she just seems a bit...heavy footed to me. And her singing is flat...but youre right..she did exude the youthful naivete of a youngster trying to get a break....

[jsteeber]

@JudgeJulieLit She also sang the title song with that inimitable Brooklyn-Irish brogue. Can't get enough of her.

[Featureman]

Great.

[Wuotinsheer]

Great and Thx a lot for uploading!!!!

[fishhead06]

Amazing!!!

[Swingguido]

This absolutely phantastic !!

Time machine; and for me, these "grandmother" fashions are absolutely sexy and authentic, very stylish men..........................

[JudgeJulieLit]

Supercalifragilistic! They broke the mold. Apart from apocalyptic choreography and unforgettable swingy, melodic tunes, great sets -- period true yet abstract, which set off epic great, naturalistic acting.