Do you agree that the clip exhibits a brighter perspective of life than might be realistic? Why or why not?
While considering this question, one clip in the movie comes to my mind. Louise Rainer is contemplating seeing Ziegfeld or not and what clenches her decision for her is the quality of the flowers that Ziegfeld has sent her. It takes her one minute tops to decide if she will meet him or not. I also believe that the upbeat, playful nature of the song she sings in the movie is indicative of the "brighter perspective of life" that these Depression era musicals highlighted.
What themes or approaches might you anticipate from this clip in other Depression era musicals?
I would expect to see happy-go-lucky songs, easy resolutions to minor problems, and lighthearted banter between rivals.
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.
The song Rainer sings is only slightly suggestive; I believe this number, pre-code, would have been even more suggestive. If it had been done Vaudeville style, lewd banter, or more suggestive movements could have been applied. In the dressing room scene, it was implied that Held was being undressed; pre-code this scene would have shown more skin.
DAILY DOSE OF DELIGHT #1 (From The Great Ziegfeld)
in MAD ABOUT MUSICALS: THE HISTORY OF THE HOLLYWOOD MUSICALS
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While considering this question, one clip in the movie comes to my mind. Louise Rainer is contemplating seeing Ziegfeld or not and what clenches her decision for her is the quality of the flowers that Ziegfeld has sent her. It takes her one minute tops to decide if she will meet him or not. I also believe that the upbeat, playful nature of the song she sings in the movie is indicative of the "brighter perspective of life" that these Depression era musicals highlighted.
I would expect to see happy-go-lucky songs, easy resolutions to minor problems, and lighthearted banter between rivals.
The song Rainer sings is only slightly suggestive; I believe this number, pre-code, would have been even more suggestive. If it had been done Vaudeville style, lewd banter, or more suggestive movements could have been applied. In the dressing room scene, it was implied that Held was being undressed; pre-code this scene would have shown more skin.