I need to watch 42ND STREET again, since I was somewhat disappointed in it when I saw it about 5 years ago. I thought GOLD DIGGERS of 1933 was much better. I saw the 1935 one and was disappointed. I don't think I saw 1937 or OF PARIS. Wiki says there were 2 prior ones -- a silent (!), and a 1929 talkie.
The caveat is that you need to like the music from that era. If you don't, you won't enjoy them.
The funniest thing about FOOTLIGHT PARADE is that we are supposed to think that they could stage those elaborate shows in movies theaters and rush across town to do it again in another theater!
Most people think of M-G-M when they think of classic musicals, and those in Technicolor, but those b&w 1930s Warner Brothers ones sure pack a wallop and are just as good!
I guess I'm an old soul, since I've always been drawn to those old b&w movies, even as a young kid.
Unlike lost films such as HATS OFF, which was lost because it was probably ignored, something like CONVENTION CITY, which caused a stir, is probably more likely to be found.
Love GOLD DIGGERS OF 1933 and 42ND STREET. The two Gold Diggers follow ups do pale by comparison, especially the final 1937 entry. Yes, I do love the music from the 1930s and 1940s, as I do most music in general, especially if it's lively! Thus, I don't really have an issue with comedy musicals, though I do also appreciate solid comedic efforts. Are the silent and 1929 talkies even known to be extant, at this stage?
Yes, the quick moving from one theater to another complete with the entire elaborate stage setup in FOOTLIGHT PARADE (1933) is rather preposterous, but that's what makes it wonderful Hollywood escapism at its finest!
As for a print of CONVENTION CITY (1933) being more likely to be found than HATS OFF (1927), considering there was at least one known print playing in a foreign market as late as 1942, there may still be some slim chance, although this did precede Jack L. Warner's apparent call in 1943 for all remaining CC prints to be destroyed. Also, unlike HATS OFF, we do know at least SOME footage from CONVENTION CITY does exist! Of course, for a pre-code feature like CC, the dialogue is really the thing, and sadly, none of this is known to exist, at present! Thank goodness for the dialogue script!
CHEERS!
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