Gold Diggers of 1935 (1935)

Gold Diggers of 1935 features outstanding musical numbers and dazzling choreography from director Busby Berkeley, not to mention some amusing moments with future Titanic star Gloria Stuart. The plot, such as it is, takes place at a rich resort hotel where a lowly desk clerk (Dick Powell) falls in love with Stuart's character, the daughter of a rich snob (Alice Brady). As was common in Depression-era escapist movies, the wealthy elite are depicted as elegant but insensitive, and true love wins out for the happy ending. Winifred Shaw's rendition of "Lullaby of Broadway" gives the film its highlight, though all of the production numbers are strong. Gold Diggers is a primary example of Berkeley's work, both as a choreographer and as a director. Of particular note in the tech credits are Anton Grot's production design and George Barnes's crisp cinematography. ~ Richard Gilliam, All Movie Guide