Watch Go Into Your Dance

Go Into Your Dance is a 1935 musical film directed by Archie Mayo and produced by Warner Bros. Pictures. The film stars Al Jolson, Ruby Keeler, and Glenda Farrell. In the film, Al Jolson plays Al Howard, a washed-up Broadway actor and dancer who returns to the stage after a three-year absence. Howard is desperate to resurrect his career, but he finds that the theater has changed since he last performed. The great white way is filled with new faces, and the producers are looking for fresh talent.

Fortunately, Howard discovers that his old friends, Molly (Glenda Farrell) and Harry (Barton MacLane), are still working in the theater, and they help him land a job in a chorus line. There he meets Molly's sister, Pat (Ruby Keeler), who has dreams of becoming a dancer like her sister.

Howard is initially dismissive of Pat, but he soon realizes that she has the talent to be a star. He takes her under his wing and helps her develop her skills, but their relationship becomes complicated when Howard's former lover, Sue (Helen Morgan), comes back into his life.

As they work together, Howard and Pat fall in love, despite the obstacles in their way. They must navigate the cutthroat world of show business, deal with the jealousies of their colleagues, and confront Howard's past mistakes if they want to make it to the top.

The film features several musical numbers, including "Alabamy Bound," "Keep Young and Beautiful," and "About a Quarter to Nine." The dance sequences are energetic and lively, showing off the talents of Jolson and Keeler.

Jolson's performance in the film is notable for his signature style of singing through the use of blackface. While this practice is now widely considered offensive, it was a common feature of musical films during the 1930s.

However, the film has its share of problematic elements beyond Jolson's use of blackface. The plot relies on tired tropes of the hard-luck performer who gets a second chance and the woman who needs a man to guide her to success. The film's treatment of women is particularly disappointing, as Pat's character is reduced to a love interest rather than a fully realized character in her own right.

Despite these flaws, Go Into Your Dance remains an entertaining example of the musical films of the 1930s. The dance numbers are expertly choreographed, the costumes and set design are sumptuous, and the energy of the film is infectious.

Jolson's charisma and talent are on full display, and this film marks one of the last significant roles of his career. Meanwhile, Keeler's charm and grace are undeniable, and it's easy to see why she was a favorite of audiences during the musical film era.

Overall, Go Into Your Dance is a solid example of the musical genre of the 1930s. While it may not hold up to modern standards of representation and storytelling, it remains a delightful showcase of the talents of its performers and the vibrancy of the era.