Movie Mondays: The Movie Musical

Today we are going to delve into the phenomenon known as the movie musical. Hopefully, this will be a BRIEF history of this fascinating genre.

The world went crazy for sound in the 20s when The Jazz Singer revolutionized the industry by being the first "talking" picture in history. Audiences went 'gaga' (hee hee) over the idea of hearing their beloved actors and actresses actual voices instead of reading crude captions.

But the first movie musical was actually slightly more sophisticated. In 1929 MGM released Broadway Melody. Advertised as the first "All-Talking, All-Singing, All-Dancing" feature, it became the first sound film to win the Academy Award for Best Picture. Time has not been kind to Broadway Melody, in fact you might find it difficult to sit through it all and stay awake. However, to most viewers in 1929, Broadway Melody a technical miracle, with content and sound technology superior to every "talkie" that had come before.

The early 1930s were not kind to anyone, including the movie musical. There's really nothing to report. All stinkers. According to the Internet Movie Database, Hollywood released more than 100 screen musicals in 1930 -- only 14 in 1931. yikes!

Thankfully Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers came dancing along in the mid 30s and movie goers were once again entranced by song and dance. This dynamic duo would preform in several pictures together most notably Shall We Dance and The Berkleys of Broadway.

Everyone's favorite curly-top got her big start in the 30s as well. Shirley Temple, at age six, charmed audiences with her singin', dancin' and cute-as-a-button personality. Some her best include Stand Up and Cheer and The Little Colonel.

Disney joined in the musical scene creating the first animated musical, Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs. It was a happy day for all us Classic Disney fans :)

Also, Judy Garland and Bing Crosby both got their starts in the late 30s but the majority of their work that's worth remembering is in the 40s so we'll save them for later.

To be continued next week with movie musicals of the 40s and 50s