1. Do you agree that the clip exhibits a brighter perspective of life than might be realistic? Why or why not?
I do agree this brings about a bright perspective of life. Since this was set in the depression era, I find it interesting to see a completely filled audience going to see a show. Plus the song itself presented to the audience was on that seemed to keep them laughing and smiling during such a difficult time in American history.
2. What themes or approaches might you anticipate from this clip in other Depression era musicals?
I would expect to see more upbeat and happy themes. It seems the mood in Hollywood at this time was to keep everyone happy in a time where there struggles. I would expect to see many different rags to riches stories and any type of love story that would warm the heart.
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.
I feel that it may have been filmed very differently.
One example: I feel as if the five pound note scene would have been handled very differently before the code. This was a hard time, the doorman would have been lucky to even receive a 5 pound note from anyone. I could see the man getting stiffed by Ziegfried if this were pre-code. I believe it was included to show the kindness of people during such a rough time.
Another example: I could see the scene between the two men when they are staring each other down being a little bit more lewd towards each other rather than just playful nods of acknowledgement
