Bathtubs Over Broadway

Bathtubs Over Broadway is a highly intriguing 2018 documentary that ventures into long-forgotten or rarely-acknowledged corners of American, and perhaps world-wide, corporate history. This engaging film reveals an obscure but fascinating aspect of popular culture: the world of industrial musicals - strange, light-hearted Broadway-style shows created exclusively for corporate conventions and events.

At the heart of this unique tale is Steve Young, a comedy writer for David Letterman's late-night show. Young acquires an unusual hobby while working on the segment 'Dave's Record Collection', where he seeks off-beat vinyl records to feature on the show. In the process, he stumbles upon a plethora of peculiar albums - musical showpieces engineered not for public consumption, but purely for entertainment during industry conventions. In an era when the world was enthralled by classic Broadway musicals, corporations, eager to get a slice of the action, adopted this format in an effort to motivate their employees and promote their products.

This introduces us to a bizarro universe where sales meetings for bathtubs, bathroom fixtures, tractors, and even silicone products are transformed into riveting, theatrical extravaganzas, hence the title. These often surreal performances are usually hallmarked by toe-tapping tunes, robust song and dance numbers, accompanied by lavish sets and stage designs, rivalling their mainstream Broadway counterparts.

As Young ascends down this rabbit hole into an almost forgotten aspect of corporate American history, he discovers these musicals employed impressive talent, including future stars like Florence Henderson and Martin Short. He transitions from casual explorer to ardent archivist, tracking down these records, rescuing them from obscurity, and preserving this unique niche within American musical history. Even as he becomes an impassioned collector, Young's quest develops into something more profound - a journey of self-discovery and redefining personal and professional success.

The film delves into the lives of several creative minds that orchestrated these productions behind the scenes. It uncovers their untold stories, and their struggles, successes and the immense pride they took in this unusual line of work.

Bathtubs Over Broadway isn't just an exploration of a fringe cultural phenomenon. It is an elegy to analogue Americana, and to the notion of art and entertainment that existed before the overbearing presence of social media. It gives viewers a chance to reevaluate the significance and appreciate the novelty of such a forgotten sub-genre of entertainment.

The direction and cinematography are slick, ensuring that the film never dulls down, despite its relatively niche subject matter. The overall feel is complemented by director Dava Whisent's innovative storytelling approach, complemented by Ozzy Inguanzo's careful editing. There's a sense of rhythm and narrative cohesion despite the variety of elements, presented through a balance of nostalgia and humour.

What truly sets Bathtubs Over Broadway apart is the sheer eccentricity of its core subject, something that's echoed in its comedic elements. Featuring contributions from stalwarts like David Letterman and Martin Short, the film manages to be both hilarious and oddly poignant, underlining the joy derived from life's kitschy, idiosyncratic corners.

The film also features interviews that are as touching as they are enlightening: veterans of the industrial musical circuit, such as Sheldon Harnick and Chita Rivera, speak fondly of times when such oddities were thriving. These segments offer deep insights into the creative minds behind these extravagant musical productions, serving both as a tribute and a record of a unique creativity era.

In conclusion, Bathtubs Over Broadway is a heartwarming celebration of the quirky, forgotten corners of Western entertainment history. Through its comedic, nostalgic, and emotional journey, the film encourages viewers to appreciate the overlooked and discarded elements of our past. The film prompts us to ask, 'What hidden gems lie forgotten in the annals of culture, awaiting rediscovery by someone like Steve Young?' An uplifting watch, Bathtubs Over Broadway makes for a thought-provoking exploration into the overlooked intersection of art, commerce, and media. Brimming with oddity and charm, it's a peculiar treasure that truly stands out amidst the regular fare.