The Great Ziegfeld

The Great Ziegfeld is a 1936 classic American cinema - a biographical musical drama, that weaves together music, pageantry, romance, and emotion to tell the tale of one of the most influential figures in the history of Broadway, Florenz Ziegfeld Jr. The three leading roles bring life to this story; with dashing William Powell playing the titular character, radiant Myrna Loy as Billie Burke, and the incredibly talented Luise Rainer, in an Oscar-winning role, portraying Anna Held. Situated in the heart of the early film industry's version of the grandeur of showbiz, the movie is a tribute to every element that encompasses the magnificence of it all - glamour, music, and, of course, the spirit of entertainers.

The Great Ziegfeld is a beautiful retrospect of Ziegfeld's career, right from his early days as a carnival barker to his eventual rise to fame and fortune as a Broadway impresario. William Powell shines through in his role as Ziegfeld, capturing the heart of a man who had a penchant for grandiose ideas and an unyielding will to turn them into reality. His performance manages to endear viewers, by mirroring Ziegfeld's own ability to charm his audiences, making the character believable, personable, and most importantly, human.

Myrna Loy's portrayal of Ziegfeld's second wife, Broadway star Billie Burke, complements Powell's Ziegfield well. Her elegant screen presence matches the charm of Burke herself, and the chemistry between her and Powell is undeniable. Though her character enters late into the film, Loy stands out with her sophisticated charm and subtle emotion, delivering a performance that leaves a lasting impact.

However, Luise Rainer's performance as Ziegfeld's first wife, the French singer Anna Held, steals the limelight. Rainer's portrayal of Held earned her the Academy Award for Best Actress. Her emotive performance oscillates between the sprightly cheerful performer who charms Ziegfeld and her audience, to a woman deeply saddened by the breakdown of her marriage. The scene where she congratulates Ziegfeld on his impending marriage showcases her actorial range, earning her high praise and the distinction of being the first actor to ever win back-to-back Oscars.

A Robert Z. Leonard directorial, the film is peppered with charming show tunes and elaborate dance sequences, paying testament to the lavish productions Ziegfeld was known for. The most exceptional musical number is the visually stunning spectacle of "A Pretty Girl Is Like a Melody", an extravagant sequence that lasts an impressive thirteen minutes, replete with hundreds of showgirls, music, and a rotating spiral staircase. The grandeur and scale of this sequence embody the opulence Ziegfeld strived for in his shows, making it a fitting tribute to his vision and creativity.

The film’s cinematography and art direction deserve an honorable mention. Every single frame is meticulously planned and filled with gorgeous sets, glamorous costumes, and well-directed sequences that make it a pleasure to watch. The attention to detail exemplifies the spirit of the 1930s and provides an accurate portrayal of the era's fashion and style.

Offstage, The Great Ziegfeld explores the personal and emotional sides of its characters. The wit and humor showcased in Ziegfeld's interactions hint at his capacity to sell anything with style and charm. Similarly, the love triangle adding a dramatic unfold to the narrative showcases various human emotions like jealousy, love, compromised happiness, and unbridled joy, offering the viewer a balanced mix of spectacle and story.

Winning three Academy Awards, including Best Picture, the film is considered one of the greatest musicals in Hollywood history. It is a cinematic gem, not just because it narrates the life of a man who changed Broadway's face, but also because it encapsulates the very essence of show business – the glitter and the grind, the rise and fall, the victories, and the sacrifices.

The Great Ziegfeld is a clear standout amongst the early scope of Hollywood musicals, with its grandiose depictions and excellent performances. It offers a vivid window into the life of a man who dedicated his being to the pursuit of mesmerizing grandeur and relentless spectacle. It is a must-see for those who get entranced by the magic of theatre, music, and biographical narratives, and for those who appreciate the age-old charm of classic cinema, this one unquestionably earns its spot high on the list.