As far as themes that might be present in other Depression-era movie musicals, I think extravagance might be something that could be seen in more than just this film. When Ziegfeld is done speaking with the doorman, he tips him with a five-pound note--obviously a decent amount of money judging by the doorman's reaction. He is dressed well and, when Held returns to her dressing room, she finds that Ziegfeld has sent her a large amount of orchids. Both she and her attendant comment on the extravagance and what the flowers must have cost. During this time, moviegoers went to the cinema to escape the hardships the world was facing, especially financial hardships. Seeing displays of wealth and frivolity might have afforded a welcome escape and the source of many daydreams.
As far as themes that might be present in other Depression-era movie musicals, I think extravagance might be something that could be seen in more than just this film. When Ziegfeld is done speaking with the doorman, he tips him with a five-pound note--obviously a decent amount of money judging by the doorman's reaction. He is dressed well and, when Held returns to her dressing room, she finds that Ziegfeld has sent her a large amount of orchids. Both she and her attendant comment on the extravagance and what the flowers must have cost. During this time, moviegoers went to the cinema to escape the hardships the world was facing, especially financial hardships. Seeing displays of wealth and frivolity might have afforded a welcome escape and the source of many daydreams.