Big Boy

Big Boy is a 1930 black-and-white musical comedy directed by Alan Crosland. It stars Al Jolson, known as "The World's Greatest Entertainer" for his contributions to the music industry. Alongside Jolson, there's a stellar line-up of talents including Claudia Dell and Louise Closser Hale.

Al Jolson plays the character Gus, a stable boy working at a horse racing track. He is friendly, jovial, and the life of his little circle. He has a beautiful singing voice which he employs to raise the spirits of the horses before big races. His songs, filled with love and warmth, make the horses perform remarkably well in each race. His character subtlety breaks down class barriers and brings a refreshing perspective to societal norms of the time.

Throughout the narrative, the movie incorporates several original songs performed by Jolson, where he delivers performances that are heartfelt and memorable. The film features a wonderful array of music genres extending between ragtime, blues, and jazz, reflecting the musical cultural fabric during the early 1930s.

Jolson's co-star, Claudia Dell, breathes life into the character of Glory Fane, the beautiful and talented singer. She's ambitious, fiercely independent, and has dreams larger than life. Despite her humble beginnings, she never lets her surroundings dictate her destiny. Her interactions with Gus create a heartwarming romance subplot that adds a richer depth to the narrative.

Louise Closser Hale, another veteran actor, adds a final touch to the perfectly assembled star cast. Her character, Glory's strict yet loving Aunt, provides a blend of discipline and tenderness to Glory, and her performance is engaging and authentic.

Big Boy skillfully blends the excitement and danger of horse racing with a soulful musical undercurrent. The horse races are meticulously directed, mimicking the real-life tensions and energy of an actual horse racing event. They infuse thrill and adrenaline, seamlessly blending with the soundtrack that punctuates the scenes' emotions.

The director uses an extensively detailed set, illustrating a keen eye for period-piece properties, and expertly recreates the pre-depression era – down to the minute tidbits of clothing, architecture, and mannerisms. The well-researched depictions of the time period offer an authentic experience for the viewers.

Thematically, the film explores themes of social class, ambition, friendship, love, and above all, the unparalleled joy and sense of fulfillment one feels when living life on their own terms. Each character navigates these themes differently, adding to the complexity and depth of the narrative.

From a technical perspective, Big Boy makes sure to utilize the best cinematography tools of its time. While maintaining the atmosphere of the 1930s, the film takes full advantage of the maturing film techniques of that era. The intricate camera movements, cohesive editing style, and the expert blending of sound with visuals, all add to the vibrancy and overall entertainment of the movie.

As a musical, the impact that Big Boy has, reaches far beyond its beautiful sequences, impressive technicalities, or compelling narrative. It is a movie that truly captures a tumultuous time in history while offering moments of joy, laughter, and, most of all, lots of beautiful music.

In conclusion, Big Boy is a cinematic piece that entertains and intrigues throughout its duration. By showcasing engrossing characters, a well-crafted narrative, expertly shot racing scenes, and memorable musical numbers, it beautifully encapsulates the essence of the 1930s, making it a must-see for any lover of classic cinema.