Thu 6/6 @ 7PM
This month for his Movies at Home feature, The Musical Theater Project’s artistic director Bill Rudman has pulled out a real chestnut: 1929 MGM feature, The Broadway Melody, starring Charles King, Bessie Love and Anita Page.
He writes, “Assuming you’re a big fan of movie musicals, here’s where it all started. And though you probably remember the excerpts that appeared in That’s Entertainment, here’s your chance to take it all in. The Broadway Melody is hugely important for at least two reasons: The film’s advertising slogan was not hype – ALL TALKING! ALL SINGING! ALL DANCING! Yes, this was the very first movie musical.”
Its story line about backstage goings on in a Broadway theater set the pattern for many musicals that followed from 42nd Street to All That Jazz. It was the first sound film to win an Academy Award for Best Picture, and it even included a Technicolor sequence, although it seems dated now. In it, two sisters strive for stage stardom, have a falling out over a man, and reconcile, with one settling down with her man and the other going off to try to make it on Boradway.
Here’s what you do. First watch Bill’s intro video to give you some pointers about what to look for. Then watch the film which you can rent or purchase on YouTube. Finally join other movie buffs on Zoom to discuss the movie. It’s free and open to all.