![]() Performances of key players and supporting stars alike, most notably James Cagney in the best non-gangster role of his career. ![]() Still, any film with this many fundamental strengths would likely survive any moral interference. (and maintains) a fluid balance between reckless abandon and perfect control. Most importantly, it presents these elements in an organic way and, as a result, strikes Story and, appropriately enough, rebuffs them completely. Footlight Parade goes so far as to make restrictive "decency" laws part of the It's a film that rightfully feels a little rough around the edges despite its extremely polished final performances, bolstered by razor-sharpĭialogue and outfits that aren't afraid to reveal a little skin. Mercifully, Footlight Parade came about before the already-written Hays Code was rigidly enforced the following year, and I daresay that this small factor is a big reason why it holds up so well Together with his put-upon secretary Nan Prescott (Joan Blondell), newly "discovered" dancer Bea Thorn (Ruby Keeler), talented young tenor Scottyīlair (Dick Powell), and tireless dance director Francis (Frank McHugh), Chester works feverishly to keep the dream alive for at least one more night. Owner George Apolinaris (Paul Porcasi), but there's a catch: they'll be performed live at three different theaters. Unwilling to completely embrace new trends, Chester is tasked with creating three brand-new prologues to impress theater Our story follows the combustibleĬhester Kent (James Cagney), whose knack for creating short live stage productions (known as "prologues") is threatened by the growing popularity This endlessly entertaining production still playsĪmazingly well, due to its fundamental strengths and even a few variables that just happened to work in its favor. Reviewed by Randy Miller III, July 8, 2019Ī genuine career highlight for all involved, Lloyd Bacon's Footlight Parade is a top-tier production that expertly combines screwball comedyĪnd extravagant musical theater - two of my least favorite genres, and I still love it to pieces.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |