One of the most famous tap numbers in film history distinguishes Broadway Melody of 1940, the fourth and final installment in MGM's Broadway Melody series. When Clare Bennett (Eleanor Powell, who had appeared in Broadway Melody of 1936 and 1938) needs a new partner for her hit Broadway show, small-time hoofers Johnny Brett (Fred Astaire in his MGM debut) and King Shaw (George Murphy) get their big chance. But due to a case of mistaken identity, King, rather than the more talented Johnny, gets the job, and the girl. Astaire and Powell can't match the chemistry he had with Ginger Rogers at RKO, but she was the best technical dancer he was ever teamed with, and the sense of fun they share is infectious. Their above-mentioned tap duet to Cole Porter's "Begin the Beguine" is legendary, but there are other fine moments as well: Astaire and Murphy's duet "Please Don't Monkey with Broadway," Powell's athletic number with a chorus of sailors "I Am the Captain," Astaire playing the piano and singing "I've Got My Eyes on You," and his and Powell's high-velocity duet "Jukebox Dance." --David Horiuchi
Spotlight customer reviews:
Customer Rating: Summary: Broadway Melody 1940 - Review Comment: While the story line is typical for this type of movie, the dance routine at the end is absolutely worth the purchase price. For that alone, we give it four stars. Customer Rating: Summary: broadway melody of 1940 Comment: just plain great!
you will never see a better tap dance...never... than the
begin the beguin number with astair and powell...never!! Customer Rating: Summary: Broadway Melody of 1940 Comment: It would be invidious to select Broadway Melody of 1940 as the best of the films in which Fred Astaire participated. I saw it first in 1940 and have made repeat viewings since; what made it distinctive and one of the top few was the pairing of Fred Astaire with Eleanor Powell plus the music of Cole porter.
Having only recently been introduced to the DVD the first trial sample I chose was Broadway Melody of 1940; the quality of picture and sound was beyond my expectation and those who have converted and enhanced the old films to the new method of exhibition are to be congratulated.
Jack Riddle - New Zealand - 10th September 2007 Customer Rating: Summary: BUT WHERE ARE THE OTHER 2 BROADWAY MELODIES 1936 & 1938.....AND HOW ABOUT AN ELEANOR POWELL BOX SET, TOO??? Comment: Doesn't everybody want to hear Judy Garland sing "You Made Me Love You" to Clark Gable's picture from B.M. of 1938? And why is this movie (B.M. of 1940) Eleanor Powell's only one on DVD??? She should have a Box Set released in the near future. Come on, Warner Bros.! Customer Rating: Summary: Most Amazing Tap Dancing Ever Seen! Comment: This movie is a definite must for those who enjoy tap dancing from beginning to end! It's quite a treat for tap dancers and you may even pick up a shuffle or two!! In my opinion, this is the best Fred Astaire performance I've ever seen.
