Footlight Parade (1933) Review in 2025
Footlight Parade is a 1933 American pre-Code musical film starring James Cagney, Joan Blondell, and Dick Powell, directed by Lloyd Bacon. The movie follows the story of a film producer who tries to save his studio by producing a series of musical numbers.
Family-Friendly Rating
Is this movie suitable for family viewing?
This movie is suitable for family viewing, but some scenes may be too old-fashioned for younger viewers.
CineReview Recommendation
This movie is definitely worth watching, especially for fans of classic musicals and comedy. It's a great example of the Golden Age of Hollywood and features some of the best work of Busby Berkeley.
Spoiler Alert!
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The movie revolves around Chester Kent, a film producer who is struggling to save his studio from bankruptcy. He comes up with the idea of producing a series of musical numbers, including a Busby Berkeley-style musical number, a romantic ballad, and a comedy sketch. Along the way, he faces opposition from his studio head and his own personal demons, but ultimately succeeds in saving his studio.
Review Details
story8.00/10
The story is engaging and entertaining, with a clear plot and well-developed characters. However, it may feel a bit dated to modern viewers.
acting9.00/10
The acting is superb, with James Cagney, Joan Blondell, and Dick Powell delivering strong performances.
characters8.50/10
The characters are well-developed and memorable, with James Cagney delivering a standout performance as Chester Kent.
direction9.00/10
The direction is excellent, with Lloyd Bacon bringing out the best in his cast and crew. The Busby Berkeley-style musical numbers are particularly impressive.
cinematography9.00/10
The cinematography is stunning, with beautiful camera work and clever use of lighting and shadows.
Pros and Cons
Pros
The movie's engaging story, well-developed characters, and excellent direction make it a standout classic. The Busby Berkeley-style musical numbers are particularly impressive.
Cons
Some scenes may feel a bit dated to modern viewers, and the movie's pacing can be a bit slow at times.
Notable Quotes
"I'm not a star, I'm a producer!"
"You're a real sport, aren't you?"
