In "Gold Diggers of 1933", after the cast has been introduced, the first beautiful face you see is that of Ginger Rogers. Pre-Fred (they would be teamed later in the year in "Flying Down To Rio"). And she is a truly radiant beauty with a huge smile. She belts out one of the signature songs of the 1930's, "We're In The Money". At one point of the song she sings an entire chorus of the song in Pig Latin. That's right, Pig Latin. And we're off to the races.
This movie, following the success of "42nd Street" was developed in an obvious attempt to get the audience to forget the harsh times they were living in for 98 minutes and just let go and enjoy themselves. And right from the start that happens. Even 70 years later, we still find ourselves in trying times, and this movie lovingly enables you to forget "life" for a while, and surrender to it's wonderful music and humor.
The cast is first rate. Especially Ned Sparks as the producer, Ginger Rogers as Fay Fortune, Guy Kibbee as "Fanny", and Joan Blondell, who looks very sexy during the finale, "The Forgotten Man".
And the score by Warren and Dubin(who is not credited for some reason) is perfect. "The Forgotten Man"(a "Brother, Can You Spare A Dime" knockoff), "We're In The Money", "Got To Sing A Torch Song", and one of my favorites, "Shadow Waltz".
Yes, it's a musical. Yes, it's fluff. Yes, it's badly dated. Yes, it's a 98 minute cliché. Who cares?! This is a must see for any film enthusiast. Sit back, relax and I dare you to try not to enjoy this film.
8 out of 10
This movie, following the success of "42nd Street" was developed in an obvious attempt to get the audience to forget the harsh times they were living in for 98 minutes and just let go and enjoy themselves. And right from the start that happens. Even 70 years later, we still find ourselves in trying times, and this movie lovingly enables you to forget "life" for a while, and surrender to it's wonderful music and humor.
The cast is first rate. Especially Ned Sparks as the producer, Ginger Rogers as Fay Fortune, Guy Kibbee as "Fanny", and Joan Blondell, who looks very sexy during the finale, "The Forgotten Man".
And the score by Warren and Dubin(who is not credited for some reason) is perfect. "The Forgotten Man"(a "Brother, Can You Spare A Dime" knockoff), "We're In The Money", "Got To Sing A Torch Song", and one of my favorites, "Shadow Waltz".
Yes, it's a musical. Yes, it's fluff. Yes, it's badly dated. Yes, it's a 98 minute cliché. Who cares?! This is a must see for any film enthusiast. Sit back, relax and I dare you to try not to enjoy this film.
8 out of 10