1. Do you agree that the clip exhibits a brighter perspective of life than might be realistic? Why or why not?
This clip definitely shows a brighter perspective of life over the reality of the time (depression-era). Ziegfeld is shown giving a very substantial tip t the doorman and acting like it is nothing. The costumes and sets are elaborate with the audience looking happy, expensively dressed, and well-to-do. That is also the goal of most f the movies I love - to make people feel good and happy, getting away from what could be a hard life or unhappy time.
2. What themes or approaches might you anticipate from this clip in other Depression era musicals?
The competition between the Producers (Ziegfeld & Billings) who are watching the performance is an important theme - both for Anna Held as a performer and as a love interest. The competition does seem to be approached with a lighter hand than might be reality. Also the clip does not shown any of the misery of the time - just the glitz and glamour.
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, the film could have shown Ziegfeld for the philanderer he was known to be and it could also refer to their "un-married" state that became common law relationship. More skin could have been shown during the dressing room scene pre-code, but this approach alluded to the actress being helped out of her clothes without showing it.
