[DAILY DOSE OF DELIGHT #2 (From Rose Marie)]

There seems to be a formula for the attraction sequences between Nelson's character and Jeannette's character in this movie and in the others they did together i.e. boy meets girl, girl resists, boy woos, girl gives in, happily ever after. In the end, they belong together. 

Given the code restrictions and the norms of the time, just listen to the lyrics of so many of the songs ex. "you were meant for me"," if ever you should leave me", "my love will be forever", the characters were really the songs. The songs told you how the person was feeling.

My mother remembers how mesmerizing her generation felt their voices were together. That really, more than the story. was what drew people in she thinks.

[DAILY DOSE OF DELIGHT #1 (From The Great Ziegfeld)]

I feel this clip exemplifies the 'typical' musical of this time period--happy, escapist, life will get better, keep on the bright side of things. I can understand why they were so successful with depression era audiences (if one had the money to go) because it offered a life more glamorous than theirs and it offered hope. Music is always a panacea for the soul.