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

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 

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

Musicals have given me a great gift in escaping the everyday life.  From watching them to working as a stage manager, I never tire from seeing what classic and contemporary musicals bring to life.  They help convey important messages for the time they were developed and mostly bring pleasure.   I am so excited that you are offering this course, and am looking forward to learning the wonders of where musicals began and how they have evolved.

[Opening Salvo For Mad About Musicals Course]

Accidental post