There's the delicious irony of the opening song "We're in the Money", with Ginger Rogers and scantily clad chorus girls in outfits of coins, being interrupted at the end and shut down by angry creditors. No one escapes from the hardships of the depression, including our trio of showgirls Joan Blondell, Ruby Keeler and Aline MacMahon. They pound the pavement looking for auditions but theater after theater has closing notices posted.
The roommates are upbeat and quick with the quips as they scramble to get by from day to day. Keeler, the naïve and guileless one, moons over piano composing neighbor Dick Powell who serenades her through the window. Keeler has THE sweetest face that I can actually enjoy the corniest of numbers just by watching her expressions.
Powell turns out to be not a penniless songwriter after all, but a scion of a wealthy family. He uses his money to help produce a show that ends up employing everyone. When his straightlaced brother (Warren William) finds out what's going on, he tries to put a stop to little brother's showbiz and romantic plans. The movie drags a bit as both Powell and the girls and William and family lawyer Guy Kibbee comically scheme to foil each other's plans.
Of course, this being a musical, everything works out in the end and the big show goes on. And what a show it is! Busby Berkely stages what is probably his most powerful and cinematic number with the stunning "Remember My Forgotten Man". It's a gorgeous, yet stark indictment of the depression - our soldiers return home from risking their lives in WWII only to find unemployment and disdain. I tell you, this number gives me goosebumps! Joan Blondell is sensational as she sings and pleads for respect for her "forgotten man". Geez, what an actress! The song builds to a powerful crescendo and leaves you glued to your chair, stunned by the limitless imagination of Busby Berkely with his inventive staging, and ability to incorporate social commentary as well. Genius.
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