Dancing Lady

Star Review

James Oliver finds this 1930s Hollywood fantasy an uplifting, sensational tonic - and what a cast!

During the 1930s, as the Great Depression ground on, the world looked to Hollywood to cheer it up. Dancing Lady – a happy confection of fun, flamboyance and fairy tale – is typical of the way Tinseltown responded.

Our heroine is Janie Barlow (Crawford), a burlesque performer with dreams of dancing on Broadway; her talent impresses director Patch Gallagher (Gable) and she, in turn, is impressed by him...

It looks as sensational as only a huge budget Hollywood fantasy can – vast Art Deco sets, glamorous stars and ostentatious dance routines; these last are as grandiloquent as the Busby Berkeley set pieces that surely inspired them. The supporting cast are also notable: Joan Crawford’s dancing partner is no less than Fred Astaire, in his very first movie role (fans will surely be interested to know he is obliged to appear in lederhosen). Moreover, the clumsy comic-relief stagehands are the embryonic Three Stooges.

Only a churl could resist something trying so hard to lift our spirits; it remains an excellent tonic.

James Oliver on 20th October 2009
View all 57 of James Oliver's reviews

Film Description

Janie (Joan Crawford) lives to dance and will dance anywhere - even in a Burlesque theatre. Rich playboy Tod Newton (Franchot Tone) discovers her and lands her a part in a Broadway musical, directed by a friend of his, Patch Gallagher (Clark Gable). Tod thinks that he can get what he wants from Janie, while Patch believes she is using her charms, and not her talent, to get to the top. Meanwhile, Janie is finding herself more and more attracted to Patch... The movie also features the Three Stooges.

Availability

In Stock - should be despatched within 24 hours. Despatched from Guernsey. Delivery times

Ratings for this DVD

Average Rating
Log in to place your vote!

Related Special Offers

• Romantic Cinema - over 40 films from £5.99

Film Details

Cast

Joan Crawford, Clark Gable, Fred Astaire, Franchot Tone, Nelson Eddy

Technical Details