Ember's analysis
- Pacing
- Brisk
- Intensity
- Moderate
- Complexity
- Easy to follow
- Violence
- None
- witty
- buoyant
- glamorous
- classic movie night
- musical film marathon
What critics said
Critics broadly regard the film as an energetic and highly entertaining classic musical, especially for its dance numbers and Eleanor Powell's performance.
What sets it apart
May contain story progression spoilers
Bob Gordon's financially troubled Broadway show and the competition for its leading role provide the central narrative framework.
Irene Foster and Lillian both pursue the leading role, turning the show's casting into a struggle over talent, money, and status.
Eleanor Powell's Irene is defined as a tap dancer, and the film's musical identity depends on polished dance performance.
Bert Keeler uses his newspaper column to report on the funding arrangement, while Irene's allies devise a scheme to shape the casting outcome.
Films like Broadway Melody of 1936, and why
42nd Street
glamorous backstage musical comedy centered on Broadway production, romantic rivalry, and elaborate dance performance
The Broadway Melody
classic backstage musical with theatrical ambition, romantic complications, and buoyant song-and-dance spectacle
Born to Dance
1930s MGM musical comedy combining performance numbers, show-business intrigue, and playful romantic entanglements
Movie Details
- Director
- Roy Del Ruth
- Release Date
- 1935-09-20
- Runtime
- 103 min
- Rating
- 6.5 / 10 (25)
Cast
- Jack Benny
- Eleanor Powell
- Robert Taylor
- Una Merkel
- Sid Silvers
- Buddy Ebsen
- June Knight
- Vilma Ebsen
- Nick Long Jr.
- Robert Wildhack
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 1936 about?
- A cash-strapped Broadway producer, two determined dancers, and a meddling newspaper columnist collide in a sparkling MGM musical comedy.
- What is Broadway Melody of 1936 like to watch?
- Ember's analysis rates the pacing of Broadway Melody of 1936 as brisk, its intensity as moderate and its storytelling as easy to follow.
- Is Broadway Melody of 1936 violent?
- No — Ember's analysis finds no violence in Broadway Melody of 1936.
- What did critics think of Broadway Melody of 1936?
- Critics broadly regard the film as an energetic and highly entertaining classic musical, especially for its dance numbers and Eleanor Powell's performance.
- Which films are like Broadway Melody of 1936?
- Films with a similar feel include 42nd Street, The Broadway Melody, and Born to Dance.
- How long is Broadway Melody of 1936?
- Broadway Melody of 1936 runs 103 minutes.
- Where can I watch Broadway Melody of 1936?
- In United States, Broadway Melody of 1936 is available to rent or buy from Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Fandango At Home.
