Great musical. Aged well due to its accepting look at humanity - George Brent is a gigolo basically, Guy Kibbee only invests in a musical bc he wants Bebe Daniel, Ginger Rogers is on the make, Una Merkel gets a part because she's sleeping with the dance director, men are lechy to Ruby Keeler such as dancer Edward Nugent.
It's also very positive - Daniels supports Keeler, Rogers gives up the lead for Keeler, Merkel pushes for Keeler to get in the chorus... actually the whole film is about people helping Keeler (Dick Powell too) who can't really act or sing that well but she is sweet. But really Rogers should've played that lead she was prettier, a better singer, and dancer.
Warner Baxter smokes and waves his arms around. I'm not sure he's a very good director too panicky but it is great at the end, he's slumped in the staircase listening to people say he did nothing.
Dick Powell smiles and croons but his pan faced sincerety is a nice break from all the cynicism. Bebe Daniels is splendid. George Brent is fine. Merkel and Rogers are great fun. Ditto Guy Kibbee.
The numbers are stunning - Busby Berkley throwing away the rule book and going full cinema. Some first rate songs. There's even a few black people in it - playing maids and singing but they are at least there.
I clapped at the end. The film deserved it.
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