Watch Gold Diggers of 1937

In 1936, the musical comedy film Gold Diggers of 1937 hit the movie theaters across the United States. Directed by Lloyd Bacon, the film featured a collaboration of the classic Warner Bros cast, including Dick Powell, Joan Blondell, and Glenda Farrell. The plot of Gold Diggers of 1937 centers around a theater producer named J. J. Hobart (played by Dick Powell) and his efforts to secure funding for his new production. Hoping to avoid using his own money, Hobart takes a chance on a wealthy widow, Mrs. Prentiss (Alice Brady), who has a reputation for being a lavish spender.

Mrs. Prentiss agrees to fund the production, but only if she can be a part of the show herself. This sends the cast and crew into a frenzy, as they scramble to put a new production together with the demanding Mrs. Prentiss as the star.

As the story unfolds, it becomes clear that Mrs. Prentiss is not quite as wealthy as she appears. In fact, she is nearly bankrupt and has been living on loans from a loan shark named Rosmer Peck (played by Osgood Perkins). Peck threatens to expose Prentiss's financial situation unless she pays him back immediately.

Things become even more complicated when Peck sets his sights on one of the dancers in the show, Norma Perry (played by Gloria Stuart). Perry is engaged to the show's leading man, Rosmer's rival for Norma's affection and fellow loan shark Lucky Garnett (played by the director's brother Delmer Daves).

As the drama unfolds, the performers must work together to save the show and their own financial futures. Along the way, they sing and dance their way through a series of memorable musical numbers, including the iconic "With Plenty of Money and You".

Gold Diggers of 1937 was a critical and commercial success upon its release, and it remains a beloved classic to this day. The film's catchy songs, elaborate dance numbers, and star-studded cast make it a joy to watch, even over 80 years after its original release.

Dick Powell shines as the charming J. J. Hobart, while Joan Blondell and Glenda Farrell are delightful as the showgirls who help him save the day. Alice Brady is memorable as the eccentric Mrs. Prentiss, while Osgood Perkins brings just the right amount of menace to his role as the loan shark Rosmer Peck.

But perhaps the real stars of the show are the song and dance numbers themselves. The film includes some of the most memorable musical performances of the era, including the aforementioned "With Plenty of Money and You", as well as the energetic "All's Fair in Love and War" and the romantic ballad "I've Got My Fingers Crossed".

The film's elaborate dance routines, choreographed by the legendary Busby Berkeley, are also not to be missed. Berkeley's signature style of synchronizing dozens of dancers into complex, geometric patterns is on full display in Gold Diggers of 1937, and it remains as impressive today as it was nearly a century ago.

In addition to its toe-tapping musical numbers, Gold Diggers of 1937 also offers a fascinating glimpse into the world of theater and show business during the Great Depression. The film's depiction of the struggle to secure funding for new productions, the cutthroat competition between performers, and the desperation to stay afloat financially is both entertaining and poignant.

In short, Gold Diggers of 1937 is a classic American musical that should not be missed. Whether you're a fan of classic Hollywood cinema, musicals, or just great storytelling, this film has something for everyone.

Gold Diggers of 1937 is a 1936 comedy with a runtime of 1 hour and 41 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.4.