Overview
A delightful romp through the trials of Broadway, where dreams and deception collide.
Ember's analysis
- Pacing
- Brisk
- Intensity
- Moderate
- Complexity
- Easy to follow
- Violence
- None
- witty
- irreverent
- breezy
- classic cinema night
- musical movie marathon
What critics said
Critics broadly regard the film as an exuberant and influential Pre-Code musical, celebrated for its songs, choreography, comic ensemble, and Depression-era vitality.
What sets it apart
May contain story progression spoilers
The plot revolves around Barney Hopkins's financially endangered Broadway production, rehearsals, casting problems, and opening night.
Lawrence mistakes Carol for Polly, prompting the chorus girls to manipulate the misunderstanding and expose his snobbery.
The production numbers, especially the Depression-era imagery associated with songs such as We're in the Money, turn musical display into commentary on hard times.
Impoverished chorus girls pursue work in a Broadway show while wealth, class privilege, and financial insecurity shape the romances.
Films like Gold Diggers of 1933, and why
42nd Street
pre-code musical comedy, backstage show-business setting, witty romance, and Depression-era social energy
Gold Diggers of 1935
Warner Bros. backstage musical with romantic entanglements, lavish production numbers, and Depression-era escapism
The Broadway Melody
classic musical comedy centered on performers, mistaken identity, romance, and exuberant stage spectacle
Footlight Parade
pre-Code Hollywood musical blending romantic comedy, backstage ambition, and pointed social commentary
Movie Details
- Director
- Mervyn LeRoy
- Release Date
- 1933-05-27
- Runtime
- 97 min
- Rating
- 7.2 / 10 (183)
Cast
- Warren William
- Joan Blondell
- Aline MacMahon
- Ruby Keeler
- Dick Powell
- Guy Kibbee
- Ned Sparks
- Ginger Rogers
- Etta Moten
- Charles Cahill Wilson
Where to watch in United States
- Rent
- Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Fandango At Home, Spectrum On Demand
- Buy
- Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Fandango At Home
Streaming options come from TMDB and change over time.
Common questions
- What is Gold Diggers of 1933 about?
- A dazzling pre-Code backstage musical where chorus girls outwit class prejudice and turn Broadway ambition into romantic comic triumph.
- What is Gold Diggers of 1933 like to watch?
- Ember's analysis rates the pacing of Gold Diggers of 1933 as brisk, its intensity as moderate and its storytelling as easy to follow.
- Is Gold Diggers of 1933 violent?
- No — Ember's analysis finds no violence in Gold Diggers of 1933.
- What did critics think of Gold Diggers of 1933?
- Critics broadly regard the film as an exuberant and influential Pre-Code musical, celebrated for its songs, choreography, comic ensemble, and Depression-era vitality.
- Which films are like Gold Diggers of 1933?
- Films with a similar feel include 42nd Street, Gold Diggers of 1935, The Broadway Melody, and Footlight Parade.
- How long is Gold Diggers of 1933?
- Gold Diggers of 1933 runs 97 minutes.
- Where can I watch Gold Diggers of 1933?
- In United States, Gold Diggers of 1933 is available to rent or buy from Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Fandango At Home, Spectrum On Demand.
