Gold Diggers of 1933 was my #4. I've already sung the praises of Busby Berkeley once in this thread, but I'll say it again: the man made movie magic. The ironic opening number, "We're in the Money," is quite catchy, with Ginger Rogers spitting Pig Latin during her close-up while gorgeous, scantily-clad babes with giant coins dance and smile. "Pettin' in the Park," a cheeky ode to PDA, provides the memorable image of ladies undressing behind a backlit screen, with a dwarf baby pervert teasing audiences with the possibility of nudity as he lifts the screen behind which the ladies stand, only for the women to emerge amusingly in metal garments. Can't get frisky without a can opener. While I prefer the choreography of some of his other numbers, the show-stopping finale, "Remember My Forgotten Man," might be Berkeley's magnum opus: a poetically raw, emotionally stirring lament for the veterans who gave everything for a country that then cast them aside. It's a sledgehammer of an ending to an otherwise light-hearted comedy full of romance and wit and sex appeal, although the weight of the Great Depression is felt throughout the film.
42nd Street was my #11. One of my favorite first-time viewings from last year and my introduction to Busby Berkeley, Ruby Keeler and Dick Powell. I never got a chance to re-watch it for this countdown, so the film isn't fresh enough on my mind to write much about, but I haven't forgotten the stupendous, titular number, nor the kaleidoscopic parade of legs. The plot feels familiar only because it laid the template for all other backstage productions to follow. Bonus points for clearly inspiring
Showgirls.
The Public Enemy was my #14. I've always liked Cagney, but my estimation of him rose quite a bit this year while exploring his 30's filmography. Very few movie stars have ever possessed his level of charisma or screen presence; and he's equally adept at singing and toe-tapping as he is at blasting away people with a tommy gun. Cagney feels ahead of his time in many of these 30's films, as if he's already mastered the craft of acting while everyone else is still figuring out this "talkie" business. Even when playing violent, mean-spirited gangsters, he always finds a way to instill humanity into his character. He's a nasty dude in
The Public Enemy, yet you sympathize for him despite his dastardly deeds, a testament to Cagney's inherent likeability. Director William A. Wellman, with his tough, hardened direction, makes the film feel violent and dangerous through suggestion and attitude. Cagney shoving a grapefruit into Mae Clark's face is legendary (although I feel bad for Clark every time I see it). The image of Cagney waiting to get even in the pouring rain is deservedly iconic. The pull-no-punches ending leaves an indelible mark. One of the all-time great gangster flicks.
My List So Far:
#3) Footlight Parade
#4) Gold Diggers of 1933
#8) Dark Victory
#11) 42nd Street
#12) Red Dust
#14) The Public Enemy
#15) Destry Rides Again
#16) Stage Door
#17) Swing Time
#25) Suzy (one-pointer)
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