I’m not really sure whether Eleanor Powell is “the worlds greatest tap dancer”, as people claim. But technically she’s extremely good, and so it was a must-see especially for me as tap dancer.
On the whole, Broadway Melody of 1936 is a brilliant film musical. Yet, what a pity, they joined that utterly ridiculous snorer to it. His acting is not alone tasteless and stupid — it’s gross! If they would cut out that nonsense, this musical production would be phenomenal….
Nonetheless the great star cast makes this new Broadway Melody a most exciting experience. Initial joy is Frances Langford. We already know this highly talented young singer from Rudy Vallee’s radio show. Another thrill of pleasure, the Ebsen siblings Buddy and Vilma, with their wonderfully comical kind of tap dance.
Robert Tailor’s role reminds me of Clark Gable in Dancing Lady, two years ago. But of course you can’t compare Tailor’s leading lady — Eleanor Powell — to Joan Crawford, because Miss Powell is much higher skilled as dancer and singer. Powell actually tried to prevent her M-G-M debut, by demanding unreasonably high pay. But M-G-M accepted though. So, who wouldn’t do machine-gun tap for unreasonably high pay?
Clarissa Smith — September 18, 1935
