Year: 1929
Director: Harry Beaumont
Country: US
Language: English
The Broadway Melody (1929) is primarily known for its historical significance, winning the 1929 Academy Award for Best Picture and considered the first all-talking musical (and the first released by MGM, coincidentally competing against The Hollywood Revue of 1929) It would establish a formula for future musicals which would gladly mimic the formula if it meant a great amount of revenue in their pockets.
A pair of sisters (Bessie Love & Anita Page) from the vaudeville circuit try to make it big time on Broadway, but matters of the heart complicate the attempt.
The story is fairly primitive as its been told hundreds of times throughout the history of Cinema. I have no doubt audiences probably had already seen dozens of similar films by 1929. It is ultimately designed to string together singing and dancing performances, but despite the noble attempt at structure the music still feels like it comes out of nowhere as the songs are almost blurted out by the actors without rhyme or reason.
Granted, I must consider the time in which The Broadway Melody was made. This was the very beginning of the sound era & thus many limitations had to be overcome. Despite the song randomness I must admit the long shots of dance sequences, great art and set decoration and of course great costumes are astonishing. Sporadic editing techniques and bright lighting also add to an overall grand feeling.
The acting is far from great however and the static nature of the camera is ultimately disappointing. The film has its charm though and the classic nature of the songs sung is certainly memorable. It's hard to rate this film fairly as its a victim of its time; much of the aspects I am critical of are mainly due to the limitations at the time. Certainly worth a view for curiosity's sake.
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