Ember's analysis
- Pacing
- Brisk
- Intensity
- Mild
- Complexity
- Simple
- Violence
- None
- witty
- glamorous
- romantic
- classic movie night
- musical marathon
What critics said
Critics broadly regard the film as an enjoyable classic musical elevated by its dance performances, especially the pairing of Fred Astaire and Eleanor Powell.
What sets it apart
May contain story progression spoilers
Johnny Brett and King Shaw struggle as a dance team while a producer seeks performers for a new stage production.
Johnny lets the producer mistake King Shaw for the dancer being sought, believing he is protecting his partner from financial trouble.
Fred Astaire and Eleanor Powell anchor the film's appeal through prominent dance performances and musical numbers.
The plot follows dancers, a producer, and a prospective stage partner within New York's professional theater milieu.
Films like Broadway Melody of 1940, and why
Top Hat
classic Hollywood musical spectacle, romance, comedy, and virtuoso dance performances
The Band Wagon
MGM musical elegance, backstage show-business setting, romantic comedy, and elaborate production numbers
42nd Street
musical romance built around professional performers, comic misunderstandings, and dance-centered entertainment
Movie Details
- Director
- Norman Taurog
- Release Date
- 1940-02-09
- Runtime
- 102 min
- Rating
- 6.9 / 10 (42)
Cast
- Fred Astaire
- Eleanor Powell
- George Murphy
- Frank Morgan
- Ian Hunter
- Florence Rice
- Lynne Carver
- Ann Morriss
- Trixie Firschke
- Libby Taylor
Where to watch in United States
- Rent
- Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Fandango At Home
- 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 Broadway Melody of 1940 about?
- An ambitious New York dance duo navigates mistaken identity, loyalty, and romance amid lavish MGM musical spectacle.
- What is Broadway Melody of 1940 like to watch?
- Ember's analysis rates the pacing of Broadway Melody of 1940 as brisk, its intensity as mild and its storytelling as simple.
- Is Broadway Melody of 1940 violent?
- No — Ember's analysis finds no violence in Broadway Melody of 1940.
- What did critics think of Broadway Melody of 1940?
- Critics broadly regard the film as an enjoyable classic musical elevated by its dance performances, especially the pairing of Fred Astaire and Eleanor Powell.
- Which films are like Broadway Melody of 1940?
- Films with a similar feel include Top Hat, The Band Wagon, and 42nd Street.
- How long is Broadway Melody of 1940?
- Broadway Melody of 1940 runs 102 minutes.
- Where can I watch Broadway Melody of 1940?
- In United States, Broadway Melody of 1940 is available to rent or buy from Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Fandango At Home.
