Footlight Parade: Lloyd Bacon

[Revisit Review]

Come to Lloyd Bacon's Footlight Parade for the spectacular Busby Berkeley song-and-dance numbers, particularly the climactic triptych of "By a Waterfall," "Honeymoon Hotel," and "Shanghai Lil." But stay for the breathless enthusiasm and momentum of the behind-the-scenes story provided in large part by James Cagney's indefatigable charisma and energy. This is one of the rare Hollywood musicals of the era that's more than just the sum of its musical numbers: it's the embodiment of America's Depression-era can-do spirit.

9/10