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Broadway Melody of 1940 (9-Feb-1940)
Director: Norman Taurog Writers: Leon Gordon; George Oppenheimer; Jack McGowan; Dore Schary Lyrics and Music: Cole Porter Producer: Jack Cummings Keywords: Musical, New York, Broadway, Tap Dancing
| Name | Occupation | Birth | Death | Known for |
|---|
| Fred Astaire |
Dancer |
10-May-1899 |
22-Jun-1987 |
Broadway ballroom dancer |
| Lynne Carver |
Actor |
13-Sep-1909 |
12-Aug-1955 |
American character actress |
| Ian Hunter |
Actor |
13-Jun-1900 |
23-Sep-1975 |
The Adventures of Robin Hood |
| Frank Morgan |
Actor |
1-Jun-1890 |
18-Sep-1949 |
The Wizard of Oz |
| George Murphy |
Actor |
4-Jul-1902 |
3-May-1992 |
Actor and US Senator from California |
| Eleanor Powell |
Dancer |
21-Nov-1912 |
11-Feb-1982 |
Lady Be Good |
| Florence Rice |
Actor |
14-Feb-1911 |
23-Feb-1974 |
At the Circus |
CAST REVIEWS Review by J Schriver, M.D. (posted on 16-Nov-2007) As a film, Broadway Melody of 1940 is forgetable...but as a vehicle for the dancing combination of Eleanor Powell and Fred Astair, matchless. It helps to know that Powell was without a doubt, the finest female film dancer of her time, perhaps of all-time...and that she matched the skills of the great Astair, so apparent in this film. Striking to this reviewer is the juxtaposition of her acting skills, less than average, with the messages of joy, romance, competition (with Astair) and gusto that her facial expression and dance project so naturally, particularly in the two part dance sequence to Cole Porter's "Begin the Beguine." They are from her very soul and can be watched over and over. It also helps that she was a beautiful woman, attractively costumed, and throughout the film the audience is treated to glimpses of her lovely legs as she dances, exciting even today. Astair provides his usual superb performance as he partners in dance with both Miss Powell and a future Senator from California. Their threesome dance at the end of the film, although short, is a delight and features an eight rotation Powell spin ending in a perfectly coordinated resumption of all three. If you do nothing else, watch at least the last portion of Broadway Melody of 1940, beginning with "Begin the Beguine."
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