First she was a dancing daughter - now she is a dancing lady - Joan Crawford was wonderful (in my opinion). She had an inner quality that gave her a likable appeal.
In this film (one of my all time favourites) she plays Janie Barlow, a burlesque performer who wants to make it as a legitimate dancer. Unlike her flatemate, Mabel (the wonderful Winnie Lightner, in one of her last films) who is trying to coach Janie in the gentle art of gold-digging - "How can anyone who pals around with me still be so dumb". In the audience is debonair Franchot Tone who takes a shine to Janie (also to Joan as he was one of her husbands)and after a hilarious episode in a night court, wants to help her achieve her dream. He is hoping that when she does she will give it up and marry him - Silly boy!!! - doesn't he know Joan is on the square and would not leave a show in the lurch. Any way he puts up money to back Patch Gallagher's show on the condition that Janie is given a part.
The chemistry between Crawford and Gable is electric!!! I think they were having an affair during the filming and it shows.
After a shaky audition ("Alabama Swing") in which Ted Healey and his 3 Stooges try to give her the brush-off she comes through. (I don't care whether her dance is all knees and elbows I love it, love it, love it!!!).
Patch realises Janie is a girl with talent and determination. He puts her in the "top spot". ("Yeah that's right, the top spot - where if you fail you'll have twice as far to fall".
Franchot Tone woos her - taking her to his home - complete with a stunning swimming pool. She meets his grandmother (May Robson) who likes her straight away (hey everyone likes Joan). When he realises Janie is determined to make good, he withdraws his backing causing the show to fold and putting Janie (as well as everyone else) out of a job. Janie doesn't know anything about his secret deal and when she finds out she leaves him and goes back to Patch - pulling him out of an alcoholic stupor. He thinks she is just "slumming" but the show goes on with Janie in the "top spot".
The songs are great. "Dancing Lady" is very catchy and is performed during rehearsals. "Heigh Ho the Gangs All Here" introduces Fred Astaire as her dancing partner. He takes her on a magic carpet ride to Barvaria where they sing "Let's Go Barvarian". "Everything I Have is Yours" is a beautiful song that is sung by Art Jarrett and hummed by Miss Crawford. The finale "The Rhythmn of the Day" is introduced by Nelson Eddy. It is quite spectacular with beautiful girls on a kaleidescopic carousel.
MGM obviously wanted to out do Busby Berkeley. They didn't but it is still a wonderful movie.
8 out of 10 found this helpful