Dames

Dames, a classic, black-and-white Warner Bros. production from 1934, is a quintessential gem of the Golden Age of Hollywood cinema, boasting of delightful music, heartwarming romance, vivacious choreography and a captivating plot. The film features a stellar acting ensemble including Joan Blondell, Dick Powell, and Ruby Keeler, who do absolute justice to their respective roles through their charismatic performances.

A hallmark in the early American musical comedy film genre, Dames tells the tale of individuals from diverse backgrounds connected through familial ties and their shared affection for the performing arts. The storyline centers around eccentric millionaire Ezra Ounce (Hugh Herbert), his Broadway producer nephew Horace Trumble (Guy Kibbee), Horace's ingenue daughter Barbara (Ruby Keeler) and chorus girl Mabel (Joan Blondell). Amidst these interconnected characters involved in a frenzy of schemes, dreams, and love-triangles, there's also Jimmy Higgens (Dick Powell), a crooner who doubles as a subway conductor, and is head over heels for Barbara.

Ezra is a tightfisted, moralistic eccentric who detests anything he considers immodest or low-class, including show business and the free-spirited Mabel. His complete disdain for theater, however, doesn’t deter him from trying to use his fortune to influence national morality. As the plot progresses, the conflict arises when Horace needs Ezra’s money to produce a Broadway musical, finding himself ensnared in a thorny predicament.

The female leads—Blondell, a tenacious chorus girl, and Keeler, a hopeful starlet—are entangled in a web of love and ambition. Keeler’s unassuming charm and talent is apparent as she dances her way into the hearts of audiences, while Blondell showcases enviable comedic timing and a gutsy persona as she wrestles with her relationship with Ezra. Powell, with his smooth vocals and appealing screen presence, compliments Keeler and Blondell’s performances, tying together the narrative exquisitely.

Dames is also noteworthy for its exceptional musical score, with popular numbers composed by Harry Warren and lyricist Al Dubin. The film parades a plethora of melodious tunes that are bound to set your foot tap, most notably, 'I Only Have Eyes for You' and 'Dames.' These songs are complemented by the legendary choreography of Busby Berkeley, a well-regarded name in filmmaking during the era. Berkeley’s choreography in the film is a marvel to behold, with his unique 'top shots' and visually inventive dance routines that involve complex geometric patterns, showcasing his eye for detail and compositional skills.

Berkeley’s imagery is most unforgettable during the grand finale, 'The Girl at the Ironing Board,' which features a relatively unknown chorus girl and is considered to be one of the most memorable segments of this director's career. In essence, Berkeley’s contribution to Dames delivers an overarching spectacle—an amalgamation of music, dance, and cinematography defining the film through a distinct aesthetic and rhythmic style.

The ambiance of Dames reflects the optimism and charm of the 1930s, despite it being an era of economic struggle. It serves as an apt social commentary of its time, brimming with humour, vivacious performances, razor-sharp dialogues, and iconic visual storytelling. The film's buoyant spirit and timeless appeal position it as an important cinematic accomplishment in the history of musical comedies.

In closing, Dames is a definitive product of the Golden Age musical genre. Its stellar performances, catchy songs, excellent choreography, and innovative cinematography make it a film worth watching. Whether you're a fan of musicals, a lover of classic cinema, or simply someone who enjoys a good laugh, Dames is sure to offer a cinematic experience in a category of its own.