Zeus

Broadway Melody of 1936 (1935)

• Directors
  • Roy Del Ruth
  • W.S. Van Dyke(retakes)
• Writers
  • Jack McGowan(screen play)
  • Sid Silvers(screen play)
  • Moss Hart(based on an original story by)
• Stars
  • Jack Benny
  • Eleanor Powell
  • Robert Taylor

  The Broadway Melody of 1936 was designed as the first of many annual follow-ups to "MGM"'s early-talkie triumph Broadway Melody (1929). Jack Benny is atypically cast as a Walter Winchell type who carries on a feud with Broadway producer Robert Taylor. Into this fray comes Taylor's childhood sweetheart Eleanor Powell, who wants to play a role in Taylor's upcoming production. Already under fire from Benny for exhibiting favoritism, Taylor says no. Powell gets into the show anyway, disguising herself as a celebrated Parisian stage star. The film's song highlights (one of them sung by Robert Taylor!) include "I've Got a Feeling You're Fooling", "Broadway Rhythm", and a holdover from the original Broadway Melody, "You Are My Lucky Star." Spotlighted in several numbers is the song 'n' dance team of Buddy and Vilma Ebsen.