42nd Street Movie Download

8 / 10

full of clichés but great fun
This film was parodied very well in the film MOVIE, MOVIE as George C. Scott played the Warner Baxter role with gusto. Actually, after seeing this film, try to get a copy of Scott’s film–they go great together. The film ALSO is remarkably similar to many other films such as FOOTLIGHT PARADE and DANCING LADY–all three which are from 1933. All are a backstage dramatization of the trials and romance involved in putting on a Broadway show. And, all are highly overdone and silly if you think too much–so try not to and just sit back and enjoy. The things that make this one stand out so much is Baxter’s performance and the film’s conclusion–both are top-rate. And, when it comes to the silly and over-the-top show-stopping tunes and dance numbers, just turn off your brain and enjoy. Yeah, the Busby Berkely-style routines ARE quite odd and silly by today’s standards but fun nonetheless–and simply are amazing to see.

UPDATE: Tonight I watched “All That Jazz” and was surprised that in many ways, it’s a lot like “42nd Street”–complete with a Broadway producer who has a heart attack because he pushed himself too hard for the sake of the show!Read More