

Ziegfeld Girl
Discovery by Flo Ziegfeld changes a girl's life but not necessarily for the better, as three beautiful women find out when they join the spectacle on Broadway: Susan, the singer who must leave behind her ageing vaudevillian father; vulnerable Sheila, the working girl pursued both by a millionaire and by her loyal boyfriend from Flatbush; and the mysterious European beauty Sandra, whose concert violinist husband cannot endure the thought of their escaping from poverty by promenading her glamor in skimpy costumes.
Insights
Plot Summary
Three young women from different backgrounds aspire to become glamorous "showgirls" in the Ziegfeld Follies. As they climb the ladder of success, they face personal sacrifices, romantic entanglements, and the harsh realities of fame. The film follows their individual journeys and the choices they make in pursuit of love and stardom.
Critical Reception
Ziegfeld Girl was a commercial success and generally well-received by critics for its star power, lavish production, and emotional depth. While some found the plot somewhat melodramatic, the performances, particularly from Judy Garland and Lana Turner, were often praised. It is remembered as a classic example of a backstage musical drama from Hollywood's Golden Age.
What Reviewers Say
- Praised for its star-studded cast and opulent spectacle.
- The emotional drama and individual character arcs were seen as compelling.
- Some critics noted the film's length and melodramatic tendencies.
Google audience: Audience reviews frequently highlight the impressive cast, particularly Judy Garland and Lana Turner, and the dazzling Ziegfeld Follies sequences. Viewers appreciated the blend of musical numbers with dramatic storytelling, though some found the plot predictable.
Fun Fact
The film was originally intended to be a vehicle for Greta Garbo and Luise Rainer, but they were replaced by Hedy Lamarr and Judy Garland, respectively, when Garbo retired and Rainer left the studio.
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