1.Do you agree that the clip exhibits a brighter perspective of life than might be realistic? Why or why not?
I agree that the clip does show a brighter perspective than what we come to recognize as Depression-era art. From the style of dress to the discussion of money, nowhere do we see anyone struggling nor acknowledging that in this specific time period there was much struggle with it came to money and one's way of living. In fact, if one were to view the clip without any historical context, it is more likely than not that person would have no clue of the historical situation.
2.What themes or approaches might you anticipate from this clip in other Depression era musicals?
One major theme presented in the clip is a feeling fantasy, of one living outside their current plight. William Powell's character is so insistent on seeing this singer than he tips the bellboy five pounds, sends the singer very expensive flowers, and pays to sit in a box seat during her performance, all while in a tux. Considering this is a Depression-era musical, this obvious neglect to the attention of the financial situation of the country gives the audience a sense of fantasy, almost an escape of their everyday life. They might put themselves in the shoes of one of these characters and pretend that they have the means to woo or are being wooed and possibly taken away from their troubles.
3.Since this is a musical that was made after the motion picture code was enforced, how might you imagine it might have been filmed or scripted differently if it had been pre-code? Give specific examples.
If the film was made post-code, I believe that Louise Ranier's character would have been costumed with not such tight-fitting clothes, and the lyrics of her number would not have been so provocative. As well as the scene in her dressing room. With the code being enforced, we would not have had her basically undressing in front of the camera. She would have either undressed off-screen or it would have been alluded to in the dialog.
DAILY DOSE OF DELIGHT #1 (From The Great Ziegfeld)
in MAD ABOUT MUSICALS: THE HISTORY OF THE HOLLYWOOD MUSICALS
Posted
1. Do you agree that the clip exhibits a brighter perspective of life than might be realistic? Why or why not?
I agree that the clip does show a brighter perspective than what we come to recognize as Depression-era art. From the style of dress to the discussion of money, nowhere do we see anyone struggling nor acknowledging that in this specific time period there was much struggle with it came to money and one's way of living. In fact, if one were to view the clip without any historical context, it is more likely than not that person would have no clue of the historical situation.
2. What themes or approaches might you anticipate from this clip in other Depression era musicals?
One major theme presented in the clip is a feeling fantasy, of one living outside their current plight. William Powell's character is so insistent on seeing this singer than he tips the bellboy five pounds, sends the singer very expensive flowers, and pays to sit in a box seat during her performance, all while in a tux. Considering this is a Depression-era musical, this obvious neglect to the attention of the financial situation of the country gives the audience a sense of fantasy, almost an escape of their everyday life. They might put themselves in the shoes of one of these characters and pretend that they have the means to woo or are being wooed and possibly taken away from their troubles.
3. Since this is a musical that was made after the motion picture code was enforced, how might you imagine it might have been filmed or scripted differently if it had been pre-code? Give specific examples.
If the film was made post-code, I believe that Louise Ranier's character would have been costumed with not such tight-fitting clothes, and the lyrics of her number would not have been so provocative. As well as the scene in her dressing room. With the code being enforced, we would not have had her basically undressing in front of the camera. She would have either undressed off-screen or it would have been alluded to in the dialog.