Overview
A dazzling journey through the life of a Broadway legend and his spectacular shows.
Ember's analysis
- Pacing
- Measured
- Intensity
- Moderate
- Complexity
- Easy to follow
- Violence
- None
- glamorous
- sentimental
- witty
- classic movie night
- musical marathon
What critics said
Critics broadly regard the film as a landmark of lavish musical-biography filmmaking, praising its performances and spectacular showmanship despite its sentimentality and excess.
What sets it apart
May contain story progression spoilers
Florenz Ziegfeld's life is presented through his relationships, fortunes, and increasingly elaborate theatrical productions.
The film repeatedly stages lavish theatrical sequences, especially the celebrated "A Pretty Girl Is Like a Melody" production.
Ziegfeld makes and loses multiple fortunes while continually pursuing larger shows and grander entertainment ventures.
The story frames Ziegfeld's productions, performers, and personal relationships as part of Broadway's emerging cultural legacy.
Films like The Great Ziegfeld, and why
The Broadway Melody
lavish backstage musical spectacle, charismatic impresario, and classic Hollywood showmanship
Funny Girl
biographical musical drama centered on theatrical ambition, romance, and elaborate production numbers
Yankee Doodle Dandy
glamorous show-business biography combining romance, spectacle, and rise-and-fall ambition
Movie Details
- Director
- Robert Z. Leonard
- Release Date
- 1936-04-08
- Runtime
- 185 min
- Rating
- 6.3 / 10 (149)
Cast
- William Powell
- Myrna Loy
- Luise Rainer
- Frank Morgan
- Fanny Brice
- Virginia Bruce
- Reginald Owen
- Ray Bolger
- Ernest Cossart
- Joseph Cawthorn
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 The Great Ziegfeld about?
- A lavish, affectionate portrait of Florenz Ziegfeld, the impresario whose romantic entanglements and relentless appetite for spectacle reshape American musical theater.
- What is The Great Ziegfeld like to watch?
- Ember's analysis rates the pacing of The Great Ziegfeld as measured, its intensity as moderate and its storytelling as easy to follow.
- Is The Great Ziegfeld violent?
- No — Ember's analysis finds no violence in The Great Ziegfeld.
- What did critics think of The Great Ziegfeld?
- Critics broadly regard the film as a landmark of lavish musical-biography filmmaking, praising its performances and spectacular showmanship despite its sentimentality and excess.
- Which films are like The Great Ziegfeld?
- Films with a similar feel include The Broadway Melody, Funny Girl, and Yankee Doodle Dandy.
- How long is The Great Ziegfeld?
- The Great Ziegfeld runs 185 minutes.
- Where can I watch The Great Ziegfeld?
- In United States, The Great Ziegfeld is available to rent or buy from Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Fandango At Home, Spectrum On Demand.
