A large-scale musical biography, going for sentimentalism more than accuracy. Incredible talent by Ray Bolger and others; Fanny Brice steals the picture in a memorable performance. Attractive models, talented chorus girls and guys, and dancers of all sorts populate this spectacular film in big production numbers. And Frank Morgan is delightful in an upbeat, fun performance.
The two lines spoken in the restaurant about cheese and coffee are quick and funny. There is some good writing in the script.
The women involved with Ziegfeld's personal life are captured in essence, not in specifics; since many of them were alive at the time this film was made they couldn't be portrayed in any detail that could get the film makers sued for defamation. Luise Rainer is very miscast as a French musical entertainer, but she does try to capture the general essence of her character's offstage circumstances. Ms. Rainer got an award for her hard-drama performance here, but why the heck do you need a gut-wrenching dramatic style in a musical movie in which she portrays a music hall entertainer? Great actress, dramatic performance, wrong role. After all, she isn't portraying the life story of Sarah Bernhardt here.
Extravagantly mounted and staged musical productions are highlights over the sentimental biography. The biography is totally dependent on William Powell's immense charm. To me the biographical parts of this film are shallow and more of a tribute to Powell than to Ziegfeld, while the musical parts are clearly Ziegfeld.
The two lines spoken in the restaurant about cheese and coffee are quick and funny. There is some good writing in the script.
The women involved with Ziegfeld's personal life are captured in essence, not in specifics; since many of them were alive at the time this film was made they couldn't be portrayed in any detail that could get the film makers sued for defamation. Luise Rainer is very miscast as a French musical entertainer, but she does try to capture the general essence of her character's offstage circumstances. Ms. Rainer got an award for her hard-drama performance here, but why the heck do you need a gut-wrenching dramatic style in a musical movie in which she portrays a music hall entertainer? Great actress, dramatic performance, wrong role. After all, she isn't portraying the life story of Sarah Bernhardt here.
Extravagantly mounted and staged musical productions are highlights over the sentimental biography. The biography is totally dependent on William Powell's immense charm. To me the biographical parts of this film are shallow and more of a tribute to Powell than to Ziegfeld, while the musical parts are clearly Ziegfeld.