Dance, Fools, Dance

Dance, Fools, Dance is a 1931 American pre-Code metropolitan melodrama, directed by Harry Beaumont, and starring Joan Crawford alongside Cliff Edwards and Lester Vail. This engaging drama, set against the backdrop of fast-paced newspaper offices and glitzy jazz-age society, delves into the resilience of a young woman as she weathers familial tragedy and navigates a life full of unforeseen trials and tribulations.

Joan Crawford shines in the lead role of Bonnie Jordan, a wealthy socialite who revels in the excessive party lifestyle of the prosperous New York society, with her brother Rodney (played by Lester Vail), sharing her fiery zest for life. Their lives, engulfed by dance parties, boat rides, and endless fun, take a drastic turn when their father suffers a fatal heart attack upon the Wall Street Crash of 1929.

Faced with the stark reality of depleted fortune, the siblings find themselves catapulted from the luxurious life of comfort and extravagance into the realms of labor and struggle. Displaying commendable grit and determination, Joan Crawford's character, Bonnie, takes a job as a reporter in a newspaper office, while Rodney gets entangled in the notorious world of bootlegging.

Cliff Edwards, known for his unique voice as Jiminy Cricket in Disney's Pinocchio, plays Bert Scranton, a seasoned reporter and good-humored mentor who guides Bonnie through the cutthroat world of journalism. Their camaraderie provides the film with some of its most comedic and poignant moments, underlining the iconic joie de vivre of the classic era while highlighting the struggles and insecurities of the newspaper world.

As the film progresses, it teases out a subtle yet profound message about life's inevitable highs and lows, mirrored in the characters' transformations and their adventurous embarkations. The movie adeptly encapsulates the tumultuous 1930s, presenting a vivid picture of the era's societal norms, economic collapse, mob syndicates, and the newspaper industry.

Joan Crawford's charismatic portrayal of Bonnie is a striking highlight of Dance, Fools, Dance. Her journey from a frivolous party girl to a responsible, tenacious journalist is painted with an assortment of emotion and nuance. Crawford's authentic performance underpins the narrative, binding the plot together, and gives the audience a character to root for amidst the chaos and unpredictabilities of life.

Lester Vail as Rodney delivers an exceptional performance as a reluctant bootlegger drawn into the murky underworld against his will. His battles with morality, his struggle to maintain a semblance of dignity while immersed in dishonor, and his frail attempts to protect his sister from the harsh realities of their changed circumstances further amplify the central story arc.

Cliff Edwards, with his musical interludes and natural comic timing, lends an element of lightheartedness to the otherwise intense narrative. His character not only constructs an entertaining subplot but also brings additional depth to the evolving relationship dynamics between Bonnie and the other characters.

Director Harry Beaumont, with his adroit storytelling, immaculately captures the spirit and energy of the era, despite the rollercoaster of drama and despair that Dance, Fools, Dance predominantly explores. Each frame reflects the extravagant flamboyance and hidden grit of the 1930s, enhanced by William Daniels's excellent cinematography. His evocative use of light and shadows perfectly encapsulates the dichotomy of the characters' lives and the eras they symbolize.

Dance, Fools, Dance successfully presents a riveting social commentary intertwined with a personal story of strength and resilience, making it a classic choice for lovers of vintage cinema. Its exploration of contrasting aspects of human life, told through engaging plotlines and authentic performances, makes it a memorable addition to the American pre-Code era of filmmaking. This 1931 film, with its mix of melodrama, crime, and light-hearted humor, provides more than just entertainment - it offers a peek into a bygone era and the timeless struggles and triumphs of its population.