THE GREAT ZIEGFELD (1936) ¢ ¢ ¢ 1/2
D: Robert Z. Leonard
William Powell, Myrna Loy, Luise Rainer,
Frank Morgan, Virginia Bruce, Reginald Owen,
Fanny Brice, Ray Bolger, Nat Pendleton
An elaborate musical biography of the early 20th century's master showman, with William Powell in the title role, and a lot of vintage variety acts. Highlights include routines by Ray Bolger and Fanny Brice, and a couple of stupendous production numbers. (The narrative goes on vacation for a reel at a time, when the girls and costumes take over.) Among the curiosities: an actor who looks exactly like Will Rogers playing Will Rogers, rope tricks and all, and a song-and-dance routine to "If You Knew Susie" with an Eddie Cantor impersonator in blackface. The picture and Luise Rainer both won Academy Awards.
Luise Rainer
(1910-2014)
