Film | Dance, Girl, Dance (1940)

Sitting down to watch Dance, Girl Dance, I wasn't sure what I was in for. All I knew was that it was about the ups and downs of a group of ladies trying to make a living with their dancing skills. It turned out to be quite a good film. I enjoyed the dynamic between O'Hara and Ball's characters. The two were complete opposites, but still understood each other despite the back handing that happened.

Dance, Girl, Dance (1940)

"Heartbreak Behind Gayety of a Girly-Girl Show! "

THE PLAYERS:
Maureen O'Hara as Judy O'Brien
Louis Hayward as James 'Jimmy' Harris Jr.
Lucille Ball as Bubbles/Tiger Lily White
Virginia Field as Elinor Harris
Ralph Bellamy as Steve Adams

THE STORY:
Aspiring ballerina Judy O'Brien (Maureen O'Hara) dances with a struggling but respected company. Shortly after a fellow dancer, the man-hungry Bubbles (Lucille Ball), quits, the troupe disbands. Bubbles hires Judy for her new burlesque show, but their act may be torn apart when they both fall for Lothario Jimmy Harris (Louis Hayward) [Netflix]

 

MY THOUGHTS:
As I looked this film up online after watching it, I learned that it was directed by Dorothy Arzner. Arzner was one of the very few female directors in the studio system. She would also direct such films as the Katharine Hepburn film Christopher Strong (1933) and the Joan Crawford film The Bride Wore Red (1937). Arzner was brought in after shooting started because the original director quit due to a lack of story in the film. Dorothy had to redo the entire film and it was she who brought in the art vs commercial aspect between Ball and O'Hara.

With it's mix of backstage drama, romance, and rivalry the film was hard to market to the masses. Upon its release the film lost over $400,000 for RKO because it was universally panned by critics and audiences. Luckily the film has grown into favor over the years, as one of the earliest influences on the feminist movement. In 2007, the picture was selected for preservation in the United States National Film Registry by the Library of Congress.

Here we find Lucille Ball in her first starring role as the vivacious dancer Bubbles. While her character is setup to be beautiful, glamorous, and has all the men chasing after her, Ball is able to convey the inner insecurity that lies just below the surface. It is the insecurity that makes Bubbles want everything that all of her friends have, even if it is a man. Ball changed her auburn hair to blonde and spent quite a bit of time in New York burlesque shows preparing for this role. Which is probably why the able to do such a good job at the hula.

The other major player in this film was Maureen O'Hara who plays ballet loving Judy. After losing her mentor to a tragic accident Judy also loses her will to better her dancing. With her dreams dashed she even accepts the job of Bubbles' stooge. But toward the end of the film, she builds enough self-esteem to let those peeping toms who go to the burlesque know what they really are. Maureen delivers a speech those almost seems to be directed at the movie audience. It sorts of pokes at the industries exploitation of women to make a buck.

A great film, that is worth seeing again and again. If you want a taste of of this film is all about, look up Ball's hula on YouTube. In this clip you see the Bubbles out do Judy by using her bumps and grinds to win the job they are dancing for, while the quiet Judy watches on.

Reel Life | DVD Shopping

I was out on one of my usual [I do have a problem with buying too many movies] DVD purchasing adventures at Barnes and Noble, when I came across a DVD set I didn't even know existed... The Lucille Ball Film Collection. Well I did know it existed, but had forgotten about it. Back when I had seen it before, I didn't have the interest in Lucille Ball's films. After taking part in the Loving Lucy Blogathon in August, I had renewed interest in the funny lady's filmography. With all the talk of her films, I needed to see them!

I was happy to see all the films I wanted to see were in this set: The Big Street, Dance Girl Dance, Du Barry Was A Lady, and Mame. And as an added bonus, there is Critic's Choice with Bob Hope, a film I hadn't heard about. I really look forward to watching all of these. I was a little angry to find Amazon.com had the same set listed for $20 less than I paid in the store, but sometimes I like the satisfaction of having it with me when I get home.

Another DVD I was excited to find that I hadn't seen there before was Barbara Stanwyck's The Lady Eve. That excitement was short lived when I seen the $39.99 price tag. Why was it so much? It was apart of The Criterion Collection. I have never bought a film from this set, so I am a little confused as to why it would cost that much. There was even a copy of Charade listed at that same price and that is a film in 'public domain.'

I wish there were more places in New Orleans to find classic films that were better priced than Barnes and Noble. Every so often, I will find a random classic film at Target or Wal-Mart, but those times are too far in between. I know I can go online, but it just isn't the same as holding the movie in your hand... looking at it, then bringing it home. You have to wait a few days to a week and hope it didn't get damaged in route to your house.

Before last night I hadn't noticed ,but for those who do not browse well enough... you may spend more than you need to. I found quite a few films priced in the $20-30 range that are also available in a set (usually with 3-5 other films) for only a few dollars more. Now I am just rambling, but I just found some of the prices I seen on some films to be crazy. I noticed the Rita Hayworth Collection went UP $15 and It Happend One Night went up $6. And why? I guess that's retail for you though.

Anyways... I am done now. Thanks.