Leaps and bounds ahead of the original Broadway Melody in technical terms. Plot, not so much, but the performers here were all more naturally charismatic, so it almost didn't matter. With this, I feel like MGM finally leveled back up to what Busby Berkeley had been doing at Warner Brothers, and Astaire/Rogers were doing at RKO. The musical/dance numbers were that good. While there might not have been a single overriding personality who dominated, Eleanor Powell definitely shone, particularly in her expertly choreographed tap routines. Buddy Ebsen and his sister were also quite charming. Jack Benny was fine, I guess. Among the supporting cast, my favorite was Una Merkel, doing a Joan Blondell-type role. Overall, the film did run a little long, but I had a fun time.
Review of Broadway Melody of 1936
