But other than that, it's the two of them, giving it all they had. At one point, Astaire is painting a picture with his fingers and you can see Powell spotting this and getting her hands out there, too. After Alyce goes to London to meet a beau... See full summary ». Eleanor Powell is a master of projection. It's all they can do to hold their arms out at the side. The film was the fourth and final entry in MGM's "Broadway Melody" series of films, and is notable for being the only on-screen pairing of Astaire and Powell, who were considered the finest film musical dancers of their time. Owing to a case of mistaken identity, Shaw is offered the chance to be Clare's dancing partner in a new Broadway show, when Johnny's dancing was really what producer Bob Casey (Frank Morgan) saw and wanted. This page was last edited on 30 March 2021, at 11:19. In the water, it was Esther Williams. It utilized a sixty-foot multi-paneled mirror mounted on a revolving track to change backgrounds.[7]. Powell later said this number was her favorite out of all her filmed dances. And in this final Broadway Melody feature you get Fred Astaire as a bonus. I call this guy "Faux Fred". Nora wants to become a dancer on Broadway. She doesn't want all the eyes to be on Fred. From The Sound of Music to Oklahoma! I think MGM wanted to prove they could find a "Fred Astaire", too. Sailor Ted meets at the Lonely Hearts Club of his friend Gunny's wife, Jenny, a girl, Nora Paige, and falls in love. In Buenos Aires, a man who has decreed that his daughters must marry in order of age allows an American dancer to perform at his club under the condition that he play suitor to his second-oldest daughter. Fred Astaire danced with his whole body. Broadway Melody of 1940 (1940) Directed by: Norman Taurog Starring: Fred Astaire, Eleanor Powell, George Murphy, Frank Morgan, Ian Hunter Studio: Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Country: USA. In Broadway Melody of 1940, Eleanor gets to dance with the real thing, and the result is marvelous.There is no big production, even thought the set is sumptuous, with a floor that is a flawless mirror. Let our editors help you find what's trending and what's worth your time. Ted rescues the Pekinese of ... See full summary ». Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Studios - 10202 W. Washington Blvd., Culver City, California, USA. A producer discovers Brett as the new partner for Clare Bennett, but Brett, who thinks he is one of the people they lent money to gives him the name of his partner. The Furies (1950) Directed by: How lovely she looked! Hal Leonard Corporation, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Broadway_Melody_of_1940&oldid=1015049173, Articles with dead external links from December 2016, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License, "Please Don't Monkey with Broadway" - words and music by. Most dancers look like puppets, (see James Cagney). Directed by Norman Taurog. She also stars in the 1940 movie, completing the trilogy. You must be a registered user to use the IMDb rating plugin. Johnny Brett and King Shaw are an unsuccessful dance team in New York. A bandleader woos a Latin flame who is already engaged to his employer. On Ice, it was Sonja Heine. In Broadway Melody of 1936, there is a male dancer, (not prestigious enough to get a turn with Eleanor), who seems to have the same general look and physique of Fred Astaire, who was working for RKO at the time. It has the distinction of being the first non-documentary film featuring Powell to be released on DVD. We're just two hoofers," after which, they got along well, and rehearsed so much they wore out their pianist. Broadway Melody of 1940 may not possess much plot, but the dancing is dazzling, especially the iconic finale set to Cole Porter's "Begin to Beguine." The set for the "Begin the Beguine" number cost $120,000 to construct. Astaire was reportedly slightly intimidated by Powell, as she was considered one of the few female dancers capable of out-performing Astaire. The 1938 edition also hits the spot. The greatest thing in all the "That Entertainment" films is the "Begin the Beguine" number from Broadway Melody of 1940". Powell recalled finally saying to Astaire, "Look, we can't go on like this. Meanwhile, Clare Bennett (Eleanor Powell) is a big Broadway star. How much did Broadway Melody of 1940 cost to make and how much money did it take in at the box office upon its initial release? But Fred used beautiful hand movements, (his hands were as long and lithe as his legs), to frame everything he did. According to Powell in her introduction to the book, The MGM Story, the feeling was somewhat mutual. Concord Theatricals notes that in 1944 she makes her debut in "Anna Luasta," which becomes "the longest-running all-Black play on Broadway." I'm Ellie; you're Fred. Lady Alyce Marshmorton must marry soon, and the staff of Tottney Castle have laid bets on who she'll choose, with young Albert wagering on "Mr. X". It just doesn't get better than this. "Jukebox Dance" - words and music by Walter Ruick, danced by Eleanor Powell and Fred Astaire. Two vaudeville performers fall in love, but find their relationship tested by the arrival of WWI. Childress soon directs her first play, founds her own theater, and writes a number of plays and books, including "A Short Walk," a 1979 novel that is nominated for a Pulitzer Prize. You can see them reacting to each other during their big number. The best movie remains Broadway Melody of 1936 with that grand dance finale. Johnny Brett and King Shaw are an unsuccessful dance team in New York. The story of the dancing team who taught the world to two-step. We strive to make our families and visitors feel comfortable while paying respects to their lost loved ones, and we make considerable efforts to maintain our focus on the high … The predictable and reassuring trifle of a story doesn’t tax the acting skills of its stars, and most of the production value is saved for an extravagant musical finale. The film was originally planned to be shot in Technicolor, but because of the unsettled state of Europe due to World War II, MGM decided to stick to black and white.[7]. Both movies feature the enchanting dance wonder Eleanor Powell. Another Broadway Melody film was planned for 1943 (starring Gene Kelly and Eleanor Powell), but production was cancelled when Kelly was loaned to Columbia for Cover Girl (1944). Clare eventually realizes that Johnny, not King, is the better dancer, and she falls in love after having lunch with him. After years of carrying Ginger Rogers, (and her mother), Fred Astaire finally has a partner who can really DANCE! A producer discovers Brent as the new partner for Clare Bennett, but Brett, who thinks he is one of the people they lent money to gives him the name of his partner. Broadway Melody of 1940 is a 1940 MGM film musical starring Fred Astaire, Eleanor Powell and George Murphy (Astaire's first male dancing partner on film).It was directed by Norman Taurog and features music by Cole Porter, including "Begin the Beguine".. Bales's Joking Insults Better Than "Big Nose"? Get a sneak peek of the new version of this page. to South Pacific , Richard Rodgers helped change the face of Broadway musicals. "All Ashore" - words and music by Roger Edens, sung by Eleanor Powell, one of the few times she was ever shown singing with her own voice rather than being overdubbed. But on the dance floor, it was Eleanor Powell, the only female dancer ever to become an above the title movie star in her own right. We invite you to browse our website, and please feel free to contact us with any questions you may have. Gordon's old class mate Irene, tries to get the leading role in this show, but Lillian insists in getting this part herself. Bob Gordon is staging a new Broadway Show. A producer discovers Brett as the new partner for Clare Bennett, but Brett, who thinks he is one of the people they lent money to gives him the name of his partner. The original movie was also remade in 1940 as Two Girls on Broadway. How do we make a list of the 101 greatest show tunes from the past 100 years without bias? Learn more about the composer behind the some of … The partnership breaks up, but Johnny still helps out King, who lets his newfound success go to his head. Stephan Eichenberg . Broadway Melody of 1940 Certificate: Passed [8] Another production was to have been called Broadway Melody of 1944 but was instead renamed Broadway Rhythm. Steve Raleigh wants to produce a show on Broadway. Broadway Melody of 1940 is a 1940 MGM film musical starring Fred Astaire, Eleanor Powell and George Murphy (Astaire's first male dancing partner on film[1]). The films were unconnected except for the use of the song "Broadway Melody" (the 1940 entry did not feature the number, although a bit of it can be heard over the film's opening credits), and the fact that Powell starred in the 1936, 1938 and 1940 entries, playing different roles in each. 44 of 54 people found this review helpful. Directed by Harry Beaumont. Then Fred notices her huge smile and breaks into a broad grin himself, feeling, no doubt that he doesn't want to be in Eleanor's shade. With Fred Astaire, Eleanor Powell, George Murphy, Frank Morgan. Johnny Brett (Fred Astaire) and King Shaw (George Murphy) are a dance team so down on their luck that they work in a dance hall for no money. Doctors Jo Wilson, April Kepner, and Andrew DeLuca share the episodes they think are essential to understanding their characters. Movies with two Oscars or less... including Best Picture ! Fred Astaire had just left RKO, and Broadway Melody of 1940 was his first film for MGM since his small part in 1933's Dancing Lady. The film is alluded to in satirist Tom Lehrer's song "George Murphy", about the dancer becoming a United States Senator: The film is recognized by American Film Institute in these lists: Green, Stanley (1999) Hollywood Musicals Year by Year (2nd ed. The film was the fourth and final entry in MGM's loosely connected Broadway Melody series, which began with the original The Broadway Melody released in 1929, and was followed by Broadway Melody of 1936 and Broadway Melody of 1938. Written by Thank you for visiting our website. Welcome. When Shaw gets drunk on opening night, Johnny steps in and saves the show with a brilliant performance, though he lets King think he did it himself. Search for "Broadway Melody of 1940" on Amazon.com, Title: It enables their smile to light up the screen. Stephan Eichenberg , MGM: When the Lion Roars: The Lion Reigns Supreme. Johnny Brett and King Shaw are an unsuccessful dance team in New York. Johnny Brett and King Shaw are an unsuccessful dance team in New York. With Bessie Love, Anita Page, Charles King, The Angeles Twins. Was this review helpful to you? [4], Broadway Melody of 1940 was in production from early September until late November 1939. Nobody did this more than Eleanor Powell, who made love to the camera while she danced. "Between You and Me" - words and music by Cole Porter, sung by George Murphy, danced by Murphy and Eleanor Powell. It's what makes them different that is really interesting. Comedy. View production, box office, & company info. The 1940 entry is considered Powell's last major successful film, as she would go on to appear in a succession of only moderate hits before retiring from the screen several years later. Want to share IMDb's rating on your own site? Special Award recipient, second from left, with, from left: Frank Capra, Jean Hersholt, Henry B. Walthall, Frank Lloyd, Cecil B. DeMille and Donald Crisp Our commitment to serve you better transcends our facility. Clare later tells King the truth. A producer discovers Brent as the new partner for Clare Bennett, but Brett, who thinks he is one of the people they lent money to gives him the name of his partner. A brother and sister dance act encounter challenges and romance when booked in London during the Royal Wedding. Broadway Melody of 1940 is a fine example of Metro’s factory machine functioning at its best. After the show, they find out that King was pretending to be drunk so that Johnny would get the job. An Homage To Fred Astaire, references to the untitled "No More Mr. Nice Snuffle" clip, I Can’t Believe They Chose That As Best Picture, Best Picture Winners that are also Box Office Winners. A Navy sailor tries to rekindle a romance with the woman he loves while on liberty in San Francisco. Broadway Rhythm, a 1944 musical by MGM, was originally to have been titled Broadway Melody of 1944. 1940s, Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer. He gets an offer of money by Lillian, if she can dance in his show. Fred Astaire and Eleanor Powell - Broadway Melody of 1940, the second half of the "Begin the Beguine" number. A fifth Broadway Melody film was planned for release in the early 1940s, pairing Eleanor Powell with Gene Kelly, but production was cancelled at the rehearsal stage. Just before the next show, Clare discovers King drunk again, and Johnny becomes the permanent replacement. The Best Movie Fight Scenes — IndieWire Critics Survey, Shall We Dance? Use the HTML below. It was directed by Norman Taurog and features music by Cole Porter, including "Begin the Beguine". Musical, Certificate: Passed You will notice most famous movie dancers have "big mouths". (1940). 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