1. Do you agree that the clip exhibits a brighter perspective of life than might be realistic? Why or why not?
Yes, this clip is certainly brighter than real life during the time the film was made. From the elaborate costuming to the five pound tip, the lavishness is everywhere, showing none of the financial pressures that even the wealthier people of the time were feeling. The song in the clip itself was also certainly a far cry from "Brother Can You Spare a Dime" and other songs of the era that expressed the emotions and concerns of the time as well.
2. What themes or approaches might you anticipate from this clip in other Depression era musicals?
We can anticipate continued lavish looks at the rich and famous, as well as enviable romantic choices, choices for love and financial benefit.
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.
Pre-code might have shown more skin in Louise Ranier's costume, had her remove more of it backstage, and perhaps had a more risque song or choreography. I agree with an earlier poster that it also may have meant that we saw more of her potential paramours in the dressing room themselves.
DAILY DOSE OF DELIGHT #1 (From The Great Ziegfeld)
in MAD ABOUT MUSICALS: THE HISTORY OF THE HOLLYWOOD MUSICALS
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1. Do you agree that the clip exhibits a brighter perspective of life than might be realistic? Why or why not?
Yes, this clip is certainly brighter than real life during the time the film was made. From the elaborate costuming to the five pound tip, the lavishness is everywhere, showing none of the financial pressures that even the wealthier people of the time were feeling. The song in the clip itself was also certainly a far cry from "Brother Can You Spare a Dime" and other songs of the era that expressed the emotions and concerns of the time as well.
2. What themes or approaches might you anticipate from this clip in other Depression era musicals?
We can anticipate continued lavish looks at the rich and famous, as well as enviable romantic choices, choices for love and financial benefit.
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.
Pre-code might have shown more skin in Louise Ranier's costume, had her remove more of it backstage, and perhaps had a more risque song or choreography. I agree with an earlier poster that it also may have meant that we saw more of her potential paramours in the dressing room themselves.