"The Broadway Melody" Review

Release Date: June 6, 1929

Running Time: 1 hr 40 min

Director: Harry Beaumont 

Rotten Tomatoes Rating: 38% (yikes!)

Name Of The Award This Year: Outstanding Production (Previously "Outstanding Picture")

Notable Achievements: First musical to win the Academy Award for Best Picture.

Notable Nominees: None.

Interesting Facts: The lowest rated Best Picture. 

Synopsis: Harriet and Queenie Mahoney, a vaudeville act, come to Broadway, where their friend Eddie Kerns needs them for his number in one of Francis Zanfield's shows. A love triangle happens. (That last part isn't in the official synopsis).

Review: 

It's not the worst movie of all time. I didn't hate it. But I can't help but wonder how in the world it ended up as one of the 84 Best Pictures. What's wrong with the film, you ask? Simply put: it's boring. It's less of a musical and more of a movie with some songs in it. The music doesn't drive the story, teach me about the characters and what they're feeling, or really do anything besides just being music. And that would be fine, but I just don't care about the main characters. In fact, I had trouble getting invested in the story at all.

There's really not much to say about this one. I feel like the only reason it won is because the idea of a musical was exciting and new at the time. Not much relevance anymore. Has not aged well. 

Rank: 

Wings has well-written characters, an engaging and exciting story, and its age is charming instead of being a detriment. Sadly, none of these things can be said for The Broadway Melody.

1. Wings
2. The Broadway Melody

Next Film: All Quiet On The Western Front