FILM REVIEW
The Ross Sisters in Broadway Rhythm (1944)
This week I am taking the shortcut to Overlooked Films and Television at Todd Mason’s blog Sweet Freedom by writing about a small part of a film I have never seen before. For more gripping stuff, check out Sergio’s post on Top 20 Spy Movies over at his blog Tipping My Fedora.
My sister-in-law, who lives in Vancouver, Canada, sent me this classic musical video called Solid Potato Salad by the Ross Sisters—Aggie Ross, Elmira Ross, and Maggie Ross—whose real names, according to Wikipedia, are Veda Victoria, Dixie Jewel and Betsy Ann Ross. I have never heard of them before, but I loved what I saw. The song-and-dance sequence in this 5.14-minute video from the 1944-movie Broadway Rhythm will leave you spellbound. The Ross sisters sing for nearly a minute or so and then they do all kinds of strange things with their bodies—contortions you probably won’t see even in a circus. Check it out…
IMDb informs you that Broadway Rhythm was directed by Roy Del Ruth, who also made Broadway Melody of 1936 (1935), Born to Dance (1936), Topper Returns (1941), and Ziegfeld Follies (1945). The entertainment website sums up the story thus: “Broadway producer Johnny Demming (George Murphy) courts big-name talent for his upcoming musical show, oblivious to the talent all around him, in his family and friends. When Johnny finally lands Hollywood star Helen Hoyt (Ginny Simms) for his cast, Helen herself tries opening Johnny's eyes to the talents of his dad and sister. But Johnny remains adamant. Will his family and friends launch their own show, in competition with Johnny's?”
If you know more about the Ross Sisters and their craft or if you have seen the musical, please don’t hesitate to enlighten me…
The Ross Sisters in Broadway Rhythm (1944)
This week I am taking the shortcut to Overlooked Films and Television at Todd Mason’s blog Sweet Freedom by writing about a small part of a film I have never seen before. For more gripping stuff, check out Sergio’s post on Top 20 Spy Movies over at his blog Tipping My Fedora.
My sister-in-law, who lives in Vancouver, Canada, sent me this classic musical video called Solid Potato Salad by the Ross Sisters—Aggie Ross, Elmira Ross, and Maggie Ross—whose real names, according to Wikipedia, are Veda Victoria, Dixie Jewel and Betsy Ann Ross. I have never heard of them before, but I loved what I saw. The song-and-dance sequence in this 5.14-minute video from the 1944-movie Broadway Rhythm will leave you spellbound. The Ross sisters sing for nearly a minute or so and then they do all kinds of strange things with their bodies—contortions you probably won’t see even in a circus. Check it out…
IMDb informs you that Broadway Rhythm was directed by Roy Del Ruth, who also made Broadway Melody of 1936 (1935), Born to Dance (1936), Topper Returns (1941), and Ziegfeld Follies (1945). The entertainment website sums up the story thus: “Broadway producer Johnny Demming (George Murphy) courts big-name talent for his upcoming musical show, oblivious to the talent all around him, in his family and friends. When Johnny finally lands Hollywood star Helen Hoyt (Ginny Simms) for his cast, Helen herself tries opening Johnny's eyes to the talents of his dad and sister. But Johnny remains adamant. Will his family and friends launch their own show, in competition with Johnny's?”
If you know more about the Ross Sisters and their craft or if you have seen the musical, please don’t hesitate to enlighten me…
Thanks for the plug Prashant and for the clips - don't think I have seen either the sisters (or the movie) before ... my back aches just from watching them bend like that!
ReplyDeleteI've never been able to watch musicals. Lana likes them a lot but they never work for me.
ReplyDeleteWow. I used to watch this sort of movie a lot but don't remember this one. Nor have I heard of the sisters.
ReplyDelete