Born to Dance (1936)
Even though this movie isn’t very good, I really enjoyed watching it. It’s one of those time capsules that shows you the mindset of Hollywood audiences during the Great Depression. Most of the songs aren’t great, the acting shouldn’t even be called such, and the choreography is surprisingly lousy. But there are tons of musical numbers, a happy ending predestined for everyone, and escapism shoved in your face. Plus, it’s one of the only movies where you’ll hear James Stewart singing. He’s absolutely adorable in this movie, from his skinny frame in his sailor suit, to his sweet romantic wooing while singing Cole Porter’s beautiful “Easy to Love”, to his soft-shoe dancing side-by-side with Eleanor Powell and Buddy Epsom.
There really are some terrible parts to this movie. The entire musical number “Love My Pekinese” should have been cut. Buddy Epsom’s acting is cringe-worthy. Raymond Walburn is probably the least convincing sea captain I’ve ever seen. But I was pleasantly surprised by Virginia Bruce’s dramatic rendition of “I’ve Got You Under My Skin”; it was the first time I actually enjoyed the song. So, there are pros and cons. Eleanor Powell’s incredible talent wasn’t utilized at all; perhaps the choreographer was mad at her. Follow the Fleet, which also features sailors on leave in 1936, is a much better movie with prettier songs and lovely dancing. But if you want to see James Stewart sing and dance, you’ll want to rent this one.
Want to watch it? Click here to see it on ok.ru and thanks "Classic Movies Kristine Rose" for posting!
More James Stewart movies here!
There really are some terrible parts to this movie. The entire musical number “Love My Pekinese” should have been cut. Buddy Epsom’s acting is cringe-worthy. Raymond Walburn is probably the least convincing sea captain I’ve ever seen. But I was pleasantly surprised by Virginia Bruce’s dramatic rendition of “I’ve Got You Under My Skin”; it was the first time I actually enjoyed the song. So, there are pros and cons. Eleanor Powell’s incredible talent wasn’t utilized at all; perhaps the choreographer was mad at her. Follow the Fleet, which also features sailors on leave in 1936, is a much better movie with prettier songs and lovely dancing. But if you want to see James Stewart sing and dance, you’ll want to rent this one.
Want to watch it? Click here to see it on ok.ru and thanks "Classic Movies Kristine Rose" for posting!
More James Stewart movies here!