Watch Broadway Melody of 1936

Broadway Melody of 1936 is a charming musical comedy directed by Roy Del Ruth and released in 1935. This production is the third installment in the Broadway Melody series, and it showcases the notable talents of actors such as Jack Benny, Eleanor Powell, and Robert Taylor. This film is a superb example of the cultural zeitgeist of the 1930s, and it is an absolute delight to watch even to this day.

The story of Broadway Melody of 1936 follows the lives of three young performers who are desperate to make it big on Broadway. One of these performers, Robert Taylor, plays the role of a struggling composer named Bob Gordon. Bob sees himself as a true artist with great talent, but he just hasn't been able to get his foot in the door of the music industry. He has worked as a waiter in various clubs, and it is at one of these clubs where he meets two dancing sisters, the Mahoney sisters. The elder of the two, Irene (played by Eleanor Powell), is a seasoned performer with years of experience on the stage. Her younger sister, Queenie (played by Frances Langford), is more naive and has yet to earn her stripes.

As Bob and the Mahoney sisters begin working together, their talents start to align, and they are soon creating some fantastic music and dance numbers. Robert Taylor's character is immediately drawn to Irene, and they soon fall in love. Meanwhile, Queenie falls for a rich playboy named Judd (played by Jack Benny), who is determined to steal her away from her performing career and make her his trophy wife.

The movie also has some excellent supporting characters, including Una Merkel as Irene and Queenie's wisecracking roommate, who provides plenty of laughs throughout the film.

The musical numbers in Broadway Melody of 1936 are certainly its strongest asset. The film features several memorable songs, including "Broadway Rhythm" and "I've Got a Feelin' You're Foolin'." The dance numbers are also phenomenal, and it is easy to see why Eleanor Powell was one of the most highly-regarded dancers of her time. Her dancing sequences in Broadway Melody of 1936 are nothing short of mesmerizing.

The film is also visually stunning, with elaborate sets and costumes that transport the viewer straight into the world of Broadway. The opening number, "Broadway Rhythm," is a full-scale production number that sets the tone for the rest of the film. It is colorful and energetic, and it makes it clear that this is going to be a movie that viewers won't be able to take their eyes off of.

One of the most interesting aspects of Broadway Melody of 1936 is its commentary on the entertainment industry of the time. The film is set during the Great Depression, and it highlights the fact that the industry was still trying to make money despite the tough economic climate. For instance, Judd, the rich playboy, is a character who wants to use Queenie's talents solely for his own pleasure while not caring about her as a person.

Overall, Broadway Melody of 1936 is a delightful and charming film that is a wonderful time capsule of the 1930s. It showcases some of the most talented performers of the era, and its musical numbers are still mesmerizing today. It is a must-watch for fans of classic Hollywood films and anyone who loves a good musical.

Broadway Melody of 1936 is a 1935 music movie with a runtime of 1 hour and 41 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.8.