From here we will only be carried forward with our feet. Broadway is not only the widest and most luxurious street in New York. This is a whole valley of entertainment and glory, through which only a select few can walk and find their true path. Many entered, but few came out, finding happiness in their souls and in life. Many films have been dedicated to this beautiful place. A whole galaxy of stories was devoted to different fates, which were able to gain universal fame and respect here. One of these films was a classic of cinema, a romantic musical drama, which received an Academy Award in the category of best film “Broadway melody of 1929”.
Plot
Novice singers sisters Hank and Queenie Mahoney come to New York in the hope of conquering the heart of Broadway. They are assisted by their friend and future husband Hank Eddie Kearns. When he saw the beautiful Queenie, he immediately fell in love with her. But Queenie is caught by a wealthy New York businessman who showers Queenie with gifts. But she does not even suspect that she came to a cold-blooded and cruel scoundrel.
Game of actors
In the film, only three actors stood out, respectively, playing three main roles, namely Bessie Love, Anita Page and Charles King. Bessie Love played the role of restless and strong-willed Hank, who for the sake of endless love for her sister sacrifices her personal life and almost career. Anita Page played a very naive and trusting Queenie, who, seeing the bright lights of Broadway and New York in general, was blinded by all the luxury, which almost became another victim of a high-ranking scoundrel. Charles King played the role of Eddie, an outstanding simpleton, who confused his strange character, as he sharply changed his sympathy from Hank to Queenie.
Director
Director Harry Beaumont tried his best to make the picture musical. Of course, now, that is, in our time, it is difficult to call this film a musical, because in the modern view musicals are rich not only in musical numbers, but also in stunning choreographic performances. Nevertheless, the director may be the first to convey the musical atmosphere by primitive technical means. However, the dominant genre in Broadway Melody is not a musical, but a melodrama, but this will be discussed further.
Scenario
The dominant genre of the film is a melodrama on the theme of a love triangle. In our time, such a plot would seem too banal, and the ending would generally shock, since the modern viewer would not believe that it can end so well. Let's get back to the plot details. To be honest, I really didn’t like the character Eddie Kearns, who so dramatically changed his sympathy in the direction of Queenie, remaining a weak character. I was also struck by how easy it was for Hank to come to terms with this, who traded her marriage for endless touring. The only thing that saves the plot is the line that tells the story of Hank’s struggle for a place on the stage. As the film says, she is a “real soldier.”
Soundtrack
The music was present only in the opening credits and, of course, in the music scenes themselves. There was no such musical accompaniment in the film. However, I still note that the music sounded was beautiful and abounded with notes of the 20s. The most important song “Broadway melody” conveyed the main atmosphere of the film.
Sound
In this section, I just want to instruct future viewers not to scold the film for this technical moment. For the reason that the film was released in 1929, you should not be indignant for the sound quality, since in the music scenes, often there was a voiceover noise.
Result
The Broadway Melody of 1929 is a worthy classic of musical cinema. With the help of primitive technical means, which, however, made a positive impression, the creators managed to convey the positive mood of Broadway, and the stunning musical numbers were kept in rhythm.
8 out of 10