The Great Ziegfeld

US (1936): Musical/Biography/Dance

The Best Picture of 1936 still sets a high standard for grand musicals. The larger-than-life career of stage genius Florenz Ziegfeld (William Powell, in a winning performance) is aptly celebrated in this marvelous musical biography. The colorful story and all-star cast are bolstered by a catalog of nostalgic hit songs, including "If You Knew Susie," "Shine On, Harvest Moon," and the eight-minute "A Pretty Girl Is Like a Melody" (sung by Dennis Morgan) -- the most elaborate production number ever filmed at the time. The Wedding Cake set featured 180 performers and used 4,300 yards of silk rayon for the curtains. (amctv.com)

Louise Rainer plays Ziggy's first wife, Anna Held; Myrna Loy plays wife #2, Billie Burke. Frank Morgan plays Ziegfeld's friendly rival -- and sometime financier -- Jack Billings. Many of the Follies performers were still around when this picture was made, and Fanny Brice, Ray Bolger and Harriet Hoctor make appearances in the film.

 Use this link to view the trailer for the wide release of The Great Ziegfeld on TCM.com.

7 nominations, 3 Awards