MovieChat Forums > Footlight Parade (1933) Discussion > Your Favorite of the Three Prologues?

Your Favorite of the Three Prologues?

posted 14 years ago by adduvall84
17 replies | jump to latest

Just saw it last night and thought it was a little below average, that is until the end, which totally blew me away. The three prologues that close out the film are all amazing, but I think I'd have to go with "By the Waterfall" as my personal favorite. Although, I could certainly hear arguments made for "Honeymoon Hotel", as that one was really good too and not to mention, a catchy little tune. The "Shanghai Lil" prologue was the worst, but still really good and when the camera pans up to reveal that Jimmy Cagney has stepped into the number...what a moment!!

And if you wanna read my review for this movie, check out my blog, of which the URL is my signature

http://1001movieman.blogspot.com

[–] 14 years ago

[deleted]

[–] lewis-51 14 years ago

There're all great, but the Honeymoon Hotel is so charming I'll have to give it the nod.

- henry

[–] fredlave 13 years ago

I'd vote for "Shanghai Lil". It's hard to get the beat of the music out of my head.

[–] snsurone 13 years ago

"By a Waterfall" is the most stunningly beautiful, but I loved Jimmy Cagney's dancing in "Shanghai Lil".

[–] joystar5879 13 years ago

By a Waterfall!

[–] lnoft97 13 years ago

They're all spectacular in their own way, but I have a fondness for the racy Honeymoon Hotel. Plus it's got Billy Barty!

[–] pelverud 12 years ago

"Shanghai Lil" the worst! What have you been smokin! While the other two are cute, "Lil" is the showstopper that caps the film perfectly. I have watched it over 25 times and hope to watch it 25 more. Filmmaking at its best!

[–] aitchmack 12 years ago

At the Waterfall -- simply incredible effects! Just gorgeous photography and choreography, stunning. And the women of that era are, to me, the most beautiful of any. They seemed genuinely fun, capable and intelligent. I missed my era by 40 years...

[–] joystar5879 12 years ago

BY A WATERFALL, by a landslide...Heavenly to watch during a California heatwave...

"I do hope he won't upset Henry..."

[–] jean96 12 years ago

Shanghai Lil was a showstopper. The footwork by both leads was fantastic. I keep watching that number again and again.

I kissed a frog, he was neither princely or charming.....Bobbitt

[–] roaringgulch 12 years ago

Shanghai Lil.

[–] riggs4-1 12 years ago

By a Waterfall, by far. It's my favorite number out of all the early '30s Warner Bros. Busby Berkeley musicals. It's so beautiful! I really enjoy all three though.

[–] JackBluegrass 11 years ago

By a Waterfall, without a doubt.

The creativity of the Berkeley genius' striking photography of huge numbers of swimmers under, on, and above water is mind-blowing. And all, years before Esther Williams at MGM!

But, how do I get the melody of Honeymoon Hotel out of my mind?

[–] bootblack987 10 years ago

There are few moments in the movies of today that I feel can compare to the amazing water choreography of By A Waterfall. STUNNING!!!

[–] Rheli 9 years ago

I think it's kind of a litmus test.
If you like Honeymoon Hotel you love words and language.
If Waterfall, visuals.
If Shanghai Lil, music.

[–] Beau_Buffet (332) 2 years ago

I love this.

[–] butaneggbert 9 years ago

I wish I wish I WISH we could see an alternate-universe version of Shanghai Lil, appropriately cast.

I'll go to my grave completely boggled at Keeler's fame. Triple threat: couldn't act, couldn't sing, and - while she could dance - Hollywood was bursting with people who did it better.

After Cagney builds her up so much, we're all dying to see Shanghai Lil. Wow, what exotic temptress, what bundle of hot sex could so completely bewitch such a man?

Then Little Miss Clunker shows up looking like an Iowa high school girl in bad makeup. Talk about dashed expectations! THAT'S Lil? What the hell was all the fuss about?

Shanghai Lil would've been amazing with the right talent in that role. The music, Cagney, the debauchery captured in the costuming, staging, extras - it's great. It could have been breathtaking.