This is the whole number, not the fairly well edited version in "That's Entertainment!" $4.99 Buy SD. A classic through and through. Over the years this movie has usually been panned. If so, I would not be surprised as Astaire was a very strict rehearsals man who would practice for hours in order to get a few minutes of dancing performance perfect. They don't tell a story and are made for the almighty dollar. Broadway Melody of 1940 was, in today's jargon, a bit schmaltzy, but it told a story and entertained us with the most... Movies today don't entertain like they used to. In essence, the only good song is the aforementioned 'I've Got My Eyes On You' (Fred solo). The best movie remains Broadway Melody of 1936 with that grand dance finale. Enjoy! Date: 1940 Movie Info. Ted rescues the Pekinese of ... See full summary ». Reviewed in the United States on November 25, 2013. Media Type: DVD, One of the most famous tap numbers in film history distinguishes Broadway Melody of 1940 (1940) doesn't have the same amount of wackiness as it's predecessors, but I like the general story better, and with the slickness of Fred Astaire the 1940 version might be my favorite one of the series. Much publicity attended his filming with a new partner, and some fans resented his being "unfaithful" to Rogers. Best of C.D. You will never see anything like this again! Please use a different way to share. Broadway Melody of 1940 was important to Astaire because it marked his first starring role at MGM after his RKO successes with Ginger Rogers. As with many similar films `Broadway Melody of 1940' has a wafer thin plot with a storyline hardly worth mentioning other than to say that there had to be something upon which to thread the movie. A super film! I am always amazed by films of this period - and earlier - that were shot with very limited equipment and other facilities compared to later times, and yet many over time have turned out to be classic productions, employing innovative and imaginative techniques and are now widely regarded as gems of the cinema. Fred of course was, well.....! Another excellent musical to add to the collection, albeit a little dated in design... Just want to mention that a little comedy snippet was included in one of the scenes which I think was really rather pointless. Buy Broadway Melody of 1940 (DVD) at Walmart.com It is just thrilling to watch them at their very best! The 1938 edition also hits the spot. Enhancements you chose aren't available for this seller. Broadway Melody Of 1940 (1940) -- (Movie Clip) Please Don't Monkey With Broadway Just established as a struggling duo working for free at a Broadway dance hall, Shaw and Britt (George Murphy and Fred Astaire) with a plucky introductory number with a Cole Porter original, early in MGM's Broadway Melody Of 1940 , 1940.> Summary: Motion picture poster for "Broadway Melody of 1940" shows Fred Astaire and Eleanor Powell and a drawing of the pair dancing. Musical 2007 1 hr 42 min. Both movies feature the enchanting dance wonder Eleanor Powell. Interesting to see Frank Morgan taking the bumbling impresario role normally the preserve of Edward Everett Horton. Three more movies were later made by MGM with similar titles, Broadway Melody of 1936, Broadway Melody of 1938, and Broadway Melody of 1940. In particular the final part when Astaire appears in a white tuxedo and smoothly glides into rhythm with Powell for a magnificent `pas de deux'. 7. It was directed by Norman Taurog and features music by Cole Porter, including "Begin the Beguine". Broadway Melody of 1940 is the 1940 musical comedy directed by Norman Taurog and songs by Cole Porter. As soon as the curtain opens on “I Concentrate on You,” the wise viewer of Broadway Melody of 1940 will press grimly on the fast forward button once more and perhaps sample a glass of bourbon until reaching the glorious “Begin the Beguine” number that brings the film to a throbbing close. A producer discovers Brent as the new partner for Clare Bennett, but Brett, who thinks he is one of the people they lent money to gives him the name of his partner. How much did Broadway Melody of 1940 cost to make and how much money did it take in at the box office upon its initial release? Enter your location to see which movie theaters are playing Broadway Melody of 1940 near you. The headline was the big "Begin the... After Broadway Melody of 1940, all other tap dancing musicals, before or since, shrink to junior status. To add the following enhancements to your purchase, choose a different seller. In order to navigate out of this carousel please use your heading shortcut key to navigate to the next or previous heading. I watched Broadcast Memory of 1936 and 1938 on two successive night and they were some of the funnest films I've ever seen. Both movies feature the enchanting dance wonder Eleanor Powell. Johnny's routine with King; Clare's opening nautical number: both are rather naff. The film's worth a look for Fred's portrayal of a genius stubbornly determined to remain faithful to his less talented former partner, something a but more meaty than his typical diffident charmer. A classic for no other reason than it contains the famous dance Astaire and Powell do to "Begin the Beguine". I missed Buddy Epson's goofy dancing and even Robert Taylor's impossibly pretty good looks. I can't get enough of it! A rival at the tap-game - Eleanor Powell! Broadway Melody of 1940 Some idiot said "Ginger did everything Fred could do, only backwards." This title will be released on April 13, 2021. This shopping feature will continue to load items when the Enter key is pressed. Johnny Brett and King Shaw are an unsuccessful dance team in New York. Was this review helpful to you? 1940 101 minutes. We don’t share your credit card details with third-party sellers, and we don’t sell your information to others. It looks like WhatsApp is not installed on your phone. As lavish musicals had all but become the studio's bread and butter, enthusiasts flocked to theaters to see Fred Astaire (Johnny Brett), Eleanor Powell (Clara Bennett), and George Murphy (King Shaw) kick up their heels to the tunes of Cole Porter. 3002 (mono)] (40:00 mins.) Want to share IMDb's rating on your own site? Broadway Melody of 1940, the fourth and final installment in MGM's Broadway Melody of 1940 is a fine example of MGM's factory film theory functioning at its best. Johnny Brett and King Shaw are an unsuccessful dance team in New York. And in this final Broadway Melody feature you get Fred Astaire as a bonus. You must be a registered user to use the IMDb rating plugin. Nominated in three categories, it won Best Picture of 1930. Fred hops over the back while Ginger goes around. Go To Store. Two vaudeville performers fall in love, but find their relationship tested by the arrival of WWI. Broadway Melody series. I'll enjoy it as long as I can and I'll share it with my grandchildren and my great-grands... it's the least I can do for them. 1938) needs a new partner for her hit Broadway show, small-time hoofers Johnny Brett (Fred Astaire in his MGM debut) and King Shaw (George Murphy) get their big chance. Begin the Beguine vocals and dance routine brill. There were both silent as well as sound versions. Reviewed in the United States on June 18, 2018. Ironically, George Murphy, mainly known today as the butt of a Tom Lehrer satiric number skewering his transition from Hollywood Hoofer to Conservative Politician (amazon.com/George-Murphy/dp/B00J58F75G ), is a better dancing partner for both in this film, able to keep up with Astaire's and Powell's moves while giving them chances to cut loose. Broadway Melody of 1940 (1940) In director Norman Taurog's MGM musical: one of the last extravagant B/W musical production numbers - the flawless tap dance sequence of Eleanor Powell and Fred Astaire (their only teaming) to Cole Porter's "Begin the Beguine" - filmed almost entirely with one crane shot Musical, Certificate: Passed Certificate: Passed In his RKO movies Fred was involved in the choreography weeks before Ginger appeared. Astaire and Powell can't match the chemistry he had with Ginger Rogers at RKO, but she was the best technical dancer he was ever teamed with, and the sense of fun they share is infectious. Baloney. Begin the Beguine vocals and dance routine brill. Johnny Brett (Astaire) has a small time double act with King Shaw (George Murphy) that's going nowhere. The film stars Fred Astaire, Eleanor Powell and George Murphy in a story of a mistaken identity that leads to a career defining moment for the wrong person. Watch the sofa in the last scene of "The Gay Divorcee." Get a sneak peek of the new version of this page. Eleanor Powell! Broadway Melody of 1940. Thank you. The original movie was also remade in 1940 as Two Girls on Broadway. The result is fluid Broadway elegance. Oscar-honoree and Golden Globe-winner Fred Astaire ("Top Hat," "The Towering Inferno") stars in this enjoyable musical about the friendship and rivalry between two dance partners. Broadway Melody of 1940 would be the fourth and final entry in MGM's beloved Broadway Melody franchise. Enjoy! The following information has been provided by the distributor. I remember seeing this on the old movie channel, TCM, one night, and I had to find out what the name of the movie was so I could see this dance again! List Price 21.99 . Full content visible, double tap to read brief content. Eleanor Powell was easily able to match dear Ginger Rogers' elegance and perfection. Written by Their duet, with the orchestra of Artie Shaw playing in the background, is arguably the greatest piece of dancing ever committed to celluloid. An example of stilted early talkies that hadn't quite figured out what cinema is. After Broadway Melody of 1940, all other tap dancing musicals, before or since, shrink to junior status. Weird. When Clare Bennett (Eleanor Powell, who had appeared in Best Picture Winners that are also Box Office Winners, Stephan Eichenberg . The story of the dancing team who taught the world to two-step. (Prices may vary for AK and HI.). He is terrific in this movie, dramatically and as a dancer. An ex-dancer and New York radio star narrates his love story for a band singer who loved a self-centered man who was unable to commit to his nightclub business or his family. In this movie she was never better. Please try again. . ENTER CITY, STATE OR ZIP CODE GO. A ballet dancer and a showgirl fake a marriage for publicity purposes, then fall in love. I can't get enough of it! Play Trailer; Eleanor Powell - Fred Astaire - In The Finest Broadway Melody Of Them All Overview. Also sign me up for FanMail to get updates on all things movies: tickets, special offers, screenings + more. I suppose the lady on the stage was a favourite in America at that time and it was not that bad so as to ruin the movie (I just skip over it and lap up the rest). Only Eleanor Powell could make Fred Astaire sweat to keep up (don't worry Ginger, you win in the dramatic arts category). Broadway Melody of 1940 is a 1940 MGM film musical starring Fred Astaire, Eleanor Powell and George Murphy (Astaire's first male dancing partner on film). Reviewed in the United States on January 4, 2021. 1940. Today, with availability on VHS, then on laser disc, and now on DVD this film is getting the acclaim it deserves. Broadway Melody of 1940. Amazon's Choice highlights highly rated, well-priced products available to ship immediately. Ginger did not dub her taps (Fred dubbed his, while Hermes Pan did Ginger's). The lines, the ryhythm, the syncopation, the extremely complex dance routines - in complete accord with the phrases of the music and all its variations - and with their making it look all so easy - especially in the Begin the Beguine finale! Steve Raleigh wants to produce a show on Broadway. © 1996-2021, Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates. Check out our gallery of the 2021 Oscar nominees in the leading and supporting acting categories, as the characters they so brilliantly played and in real life. Keep track of everything you watch; tell your friends. It's a predictable and reassuring trifle using top personalities to dazzle the audience, while saving most of its production value for a big musical finale. Bales's Joking Insults Better Than "Big Nose"? Release Date: 22-APR-2003 Cole Porter! Buy hey, if you have Astaire and Powell with a Cole Porter score directed by Alfred Newman, what more do you or could you want? The best movie remains Broadway Melody of 1936 with that grand dance finale. She also... Buying the three Broadway Melody movies is worth your money. Right? what a joke this is. Medium: 1 print (poster) : color ; 104 x 69 cm. Very good picture and sound on DVD (in monochrome), so clear and with a simple little storyline allowing you to enjoy their dancing. Reviewed in the United States on November 12, 2013. Sailor Ted meets at the Lonely Hearts Club of his friend Gunny's wife, Jenny, a girl, Nora Paige, and falls in love. Broadway Melody of 1940 is a 1940 MGM film musical starring Fred Astaire, Eleanor Powell and George Murphy (Astaire's first male dancing partner on film ). Buying the three Broadway Melody movies is worth your money. Search for "Broadway Melody of 1940" on Amazon.com, Title: The camera work felt plodding - long wide shot after long wide shot, Eleanor Powell is wonderful of course but so much of her onscreen time is composed of closeups of her frozenly smiling or grinning. Good dancer that she was, and although maybe in the same league, Ginger Rogers and Cyd Charisse usually get a bigger mention whenever the name of Astaire comes up. This fifteen minutes or so sequence which takes place on a stage with a glossy, black surface, emphasising the white attire of the dancers, is in three elements, and is simply beyond criticism. This is one of my favorite Astaire films, the first time I watched it I knew I would be watching it again and again. And on this occasion it was, I suppose, basically a couple of job seekers ,... As with many similar films `Broadway Melody of 1940' has a wafer thin plot with a storyline hardly worth mentioning other than to say that there had to be something upon which to thread the movie. Very good picture and sound on DVD (in monochrome), so clear and with a simple little storyline allowing you to enjoy their dancing. item 6 Broadway Melody of 1940 (DVD, 2003, Fred Astaire, Eleanor Powell, George Murphy) 6 - Broadway Melody of 1940 (DVD, 2003, Fred Astaire, Eleanor … Their above-mentioned tap duet to Cole Porter's "Begin the Beguine" is legendary, but there are other fine moments as well: Astaire and Murphy's duet "Please Don't Monkey with Broadway," Powell's athletic number with a chorus of sailors "I Am the Captain," Astaire playing the piano and singing "I've Got My Eyes on You," and his and Powell's high-velocity duet "Jukebox Dance." The 1938 edition also hits the spot. Great entertainment! We work hard to protect your security and privacy. 4.4 • 13 Ratings. You can return the item for any reason in new and unused condition: no shipping charges. How lovely she looked! They make it look so easy, and I know they probably did hundreds of takes to get it just right. Problems arise when both men fall for the same gorgeous woman. Other articles where Broadway Melody of 1940 is discussed: Eleanor Powell: … (1937), Rosalie (1937), Honolulu (1939), Broadway Melody of 1940 (1940), and Lady Be Good (1941), Powell exhibited an assertive, athletic style of tap dancing that was unique among female dancers of the era. I just don't get the reason for the raves. The whole manages to become less than the sum of their parts, somehow. A married musical team splits up so the wife can become a serious actress. you would be hard pressed to find either of them in a better performance.And let's not forget the exceptional talents of George Murphy - he did an excellent job holding up to the talents of first Fred Astaire (their Broadway song in the nightclub) and then Eleanor Powell (in their waltz number).My all-time favorite movie. CC. And on this occasion it was, I suppose, basically a couple of job seekers , Fred Astaire and George Murphy, on the lookout for a dancing job! Broadway Melody of 1940; Blu-ray Releases Details Broadway Melody of 1940 . Free 2-day shipping on qualified orders over $35. Interesting to note George Murphy's dancing ability which is largely forgotten now. It just goes on and on. (197) IMDb 7.4 1h 41min 1940 NR. The best movie remains Broadway Melody of 1936 with that grand dance finale. Powell's singing isn't much. (1940). Sold by Square Deal Recordings&Supplies and ships from Amazon Fulfillment. Today, with availability on VHS, then on laser disc, and now on DVD this film is getting the acclaim it deserves. Reviewed in the United States on February 18, 2019. There are at least three dances with Powell including the much praised 'Begin The Beguine' - which is exactly the one I felt was overlong and underwhelming. Anyway, Murphy is no Astaire so all's bound to come right in the end. Reviewed in the United Kingdom on August 3, 2009, Something's wrong when the musical numbers are the boring bits, Reviewed in the United Kingdom on April 19, 2011, A classic, starring Eleanor Powell and Fred Astaire, Reviewed in the United Kingdom on September 21, 2013, Reviewed in the United Kingdom on July 16, 2019, Reviewed in the United Kingdom on October 27, 2019, Black & White, Closed-captioned, Dubbed, Full Screen, Subtitled, NTSC, English (Dolby Digital 2.0 Mono), French (Dolby Digital 2.0 Mono), Unqualified (DTS ES 6.1), Fred Astaire, Eleanor Powell, George Murphy, Frank Morgan, Ian Hunter.