Music,Comedy,Romance
United States of America
Footlight Parade is a 1933 musical film directed by Lloyd Bacon and choreographed by Busby Berkeley. The film follows the story of Chester Kent (played by James Cagney), a struggling Broadway producer who is challenged by his boss to come up with a new idea for live stage shows. Kent, along with his loyal secretary, Bea (Joan Blondell), and his star choreographer, Scotty (Dick Powell), devises three spectacular musical numbers that will take the audience on an island cruise, a military boot camp, and a forgotten Arabian palace.
The film features several memorable musical numbers, including "Shanghai Lil," "Honeymoon Hotel," and "By a Waterfall." These numbers were choreographed by Berkeley, who created his trademark style of elaborate dance routines involving hundreds of dancers and intricate camera shots. The film's impressive sets and costumes were designed by Anton Grot and Orry-Kelly, respectively.
Footlight Parade was a critical and commercial success, garnering positive reviews for its innovative choreography and witty script. The film was also notable for featuring James Cagney in a rare singing and dancing role, breaking away from his tough-guy image. It is considered one of the best musicals of the 1930s and was inducted into the National Film Registry in 1992.
