It's 1933, a time when the country was in a depression and movies were a popular distraction. Film director Busby Berkley filled the nations screens with musical extravaganza's. One of his creations was Footlight Parade featuring James Cagney and Joan Blondell along with a beavy of beautiful mermaids paddling with synchronized swimming precision. Hollywood had discovered that pretty girls were an excellent antidote for the Depression years.
This clip paired with the music of VANGELIS, Sirens Whispering, is only a small 7 minute segment of the whole movie, but for me it steals the stage. This is a true work of cinematic genius.
The headpieces and suits are stunning, the camera angles, the editing, the costumes, the synchronized swimming feats, the sets, I could go on and on. Enjoy!
4 comments:
It is such a stunning movie and Cagney is incredible in it, along with those spectacular Busby Berkeley numbers. I especially love this number, which I believe was originally called By a Waterfall, and posted it a little while ago on my blog: http://tinyurl.com/na93g2
I couldn't help but see a zipper being formed by the bathing beauties at about 4:00 in the original number, about 1:40 in the version you show.
I love the movie...thank you for sharing it!
WOW... that must be what Heaven is like! I love the mandala formations. Absolutely beautiful!
I've only seen one Busby Berkeley film -- Gold Diggers of 1933 -- and totally loved it. I'm going to put this one on the top of NetFlix queue.
Thanks for sharing! :D
Wow! Thanks so much for finding this and sharing it. It is truly amazing!
Maggie - Isn't it wonderful. You have the original soundtrack, mine is set to Vengelis, which I ♥LOVE♥.
duriandave - yes this is heaven as I imagine it too! Pools, water slides and the most magnificent costumes one can wear in water.
Beach Bygones - Love your blog! Keep up the good work.
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