Second Chorus

"Second Chorus", directed by H.C. Potter, is a compelling dive into the 1940s world of big band swing music, brimming with a dynamic blend of competition, charm, and enchanting dance sequences. The film stars the iconic Fred Astaire, acclaimed actress Paulette Goddard, and the legendary bandleader Artie Shaw. These performances are underscored by an Oscar-Nominated original score — a musical treat guaranteed to charm viewers.

Fred Astaire plays Danny O'Neill, a talented trumpet player who, alongside his competitive best friend, Hank Taylor (played by Burgess Meredith), has cleverly managed to elongate his college career for seven years by deliberately failing. This strategy safeguards their positions in a college band that they feel a strong allegiance towards. This bright, lively opener sets the stage for the competitive dynamics and the energy that drives the movie forward. The pair is endlessly competitive, each vying for top billing in their band and filching each other's solos.

The competitive spirit usurps their friendship when they meet Ellen Miller, a resourceful manager played with wit and charm by Paulette Goddard. She is just as captivating as the dated collegiate jokers, and somehow finds herself becoming their manager, saving them from their rather creative scam to stay in college. This forms a love triangle that imbues the film with romantic tension, further spicing up the dynamics among the three lead characters.

Acclaimed jazz musician Artie Shaw appears as himself to bring a rich authenticity to the movie's musical landscape. The real-life bandleader provides excellent musical escapades in the film, notably his performances at the nightclub that Danny and Hank regularly play. Shaw's band, one of the biggest in the era of swing, adds a crucial layer to the narrative, drawing our protagonists out of their collegiate comfort zone.

Astaire, well-known for his adroit dance skills and suave demeanour, successfully keeps his audience captive throughout the film. His portrayal of Danny O'Neill drips with golden-era Hollywood charm, ensuring that viewers are constantly engaged and entertained. However, it is not just his smooth-talking ways that make Astaire's performance remarkable. "Second Chorus" also showcases the dance maestro's choreography skills, offering two memorable dance sequences where Astaire not only wows with his solo work but also creates a delightful chemistry with Goddard.

Ultimately, "Second Chorus" is a story of love, friendship, competition, and an undying passion for music, set against the exciting backdrop of the 1940s music scene. It bravely navigates the highs and lows of these themes, providing sparkling comedy and stellar dance numbers that resonate with Fred Astaire fans and musical enthusiasts alike.

The movie is also notable for its two Academy Award nominations for Best Score and Best Song, further cementing its credentials as an important piece in the mosaic of 1940s Hollywood musicals. Astaire's dance performance to "Hoagy Carmichael's "Poor Mr. Chisholm" remains one of the film's highlights, demonstrating the actor-dancer's unrivaled talents.

Though famed for its artistic value, vibrant cinematic narrative and musical excellence, "Second Chorus" is also a reflection of its time, providing viewers with a nostalgic glimpse into the post-Depression years of America. It reflects the era's cultural shifts, the importance of entertainment in public life, and the journey of Jazz as it rose to become an established, loved genre.

Whether you're a Fred Astaire enthusiast, a swing music lover, or a fan of old Hollywood, "Second Chorus" of 1940 provides a robust treat. Its love triangle plot, comedic timing, dynamic dancing, and rewarding soundtrack all combine to make it a film well worth watching.