Ziegfeld Follies

Ziegfeld Follies is a 1945 musical comedy film, directed by Vincente Minnelli and starring William Powell, Judy Garland, and Lucille Ball, among other talented performers of the era. The film's plot revolves around a succession of lavish, large-scale musical numbers and comedy sketches, loosely connected by the overarching storyline of a deceased production producer (Powell) who takes a curious journey through the afterlife, guided by an angel who shows him the enduring legacy of his work.

The film's cast features an array of some of the biggest names in showbusiness at the time, including Fred Astaire, Lena Horne, Gene Kelly, Esther Williams, and of course, the central figure of Judy Garland, who delivers several sensational musical performances, as well as a comic sketch opposite Red Skelton. The musical numbers are choreographed by the likes of Astaire, Kelly, and Robert Alton, and range from opulent Busby Berkeley-style dance routines to more intimate character-driven pieces.

Despite its title, the film isn't a linear biopic of Florenz Ziegfeld, the legendary Broadway impresario who produced the original Ziegfeld Follies revues from which the film takes its inspiration. Rather, the film is more of a tribute to the spirit of extravagance and glamour that characterized Ziegfeld's shows, with Powell's character serving as a kind of stand-in for the director himself. The film's climactic sequence recreates the iconic "Wedding of the Painted Doll" number from the original folllies, complete with a massive rotating set, dozens of chorus girls, and intricate costumes.

One of the most notable aspects of Ziegfeld Follies is its use of Technicolor, which was still a relatively new technology in the mid-1940s. The film takes full advantage of the vibrancy and richness of the color process, with elaborate sets and costumes that positively pop off the screen. The visuals are complemented by a lush score from Leo Arutunian, which incorporates both original compositions and classic standards.

While the film wasn't a critical or commercial success upon its initial release, it has since become a cult favorite of musical theatre aficionados, due in no small part to its all-star cast and lavish production values. Ziegfeld Follies is a colorful and extravagant celebration of the showbiz spirit, and a testament to the enduring appeal of classic Hollywood musicals.