Watch The Ice Follies of 1939

In 1939, Hollywood was booming with musical extravaganzas, and the film industry was keen on highlighting its stars to make each movie special. "The Ice Follies of 1939" was no different, with its star-studded cast consisting of Joan Crawford, James Stewart, and Lew Ayres. The movie, as the name suggests, follows a group of ice skaters struggling to find success in their professional lives.

Skating duo Mary McKay (Joan Crawford) and Eddie Burgess (James Stewart) are the main characters of the film. The duo has been skating together for years and are each other's best friends. They hope to make it big in the Ice Follies, a popular ice-skating show. But their dream is threatened when a big-shot producer tells them that they need to change their routine.

Eddie goes to work on a new routine, and a chance meeting with a socialite named Sheila (Anita Louise) promises to help them. As the story progresses, it becomes apparent that Sheila has designs on Eddie, which leads to a love triangle between Eddie, Mary, and Sheila.

The Ice Follies of 1939 is a classic Hollywood musical, and the film's highlight is the incredible ice skating scenes. The skaters' performances are impressive, and watching them glide around the rink against the backdrop of elaborate sets is mesmerizing. The camera skillfully captures the skaters' movements, and the skating scenes are worked seamlessly into the narrative.

As the plot unfolds, it becomes evident that not everyone in the skating community is a fan of Mary and Eddie's meteoric rise. The two are bickering off the ice, and as their tension grows, their performances suffer. Eddie's performance is affected by Sheila's presence, and Mary's jealousy rubs off on her creative process. The duo needs to find a way to rekindle their on-ice chemistry before it's too late.

The movie is also a love story that develops slowly as the plot progresses. Joan Crawford plays Mary McKay with flamboyance, and her fierce personality is evident in every scene. James Stewart's performance as Eddie Burgess is heartfelt and earnest, and his real-life ice-skating experience gives him the necessary credibility to play the part. Lew Ayres, who plays Larry Hall, is the voice of reason amid the internal battles the movie's characters face.

The supporting cast, including Anita Louise and the dynamic duo of Charles Ruggles and Una Merkel, add to the movie's rich tapestry. Merkel, in particular, steals every scene she's in, and she and Ruggles provide the necessary comic relief.

The Ice Follies of 1939 is a classic Hollywood musical in every sense of the word. The skaters are well choreographed, and the sets are elaborate and incredibly detailed. The movie highlights Hollywood's golden age, and it is an essential watch for fans of classic motion pictures.

Ultimately, the film's message is one of perseverance, dedication, and friendship. Mary, Eddie, and Larry overcome their differences and obstacles to put on a spectacular show. It's also a story about how fame can affect relationships and how pride can be detrimental to an athlete's performance. In the end, The Ice Follies of 1939 is a remarkably crafted piece of filmmaking that has stood the test of time. Its musical numbers are infectious, and its lead actors' performances are unforgettable. It's a movie that everyone should watch, whether they are fans of ice skating or not.

In conclusion, The Ice Follies of 1939 is a captivating cinematic experience that showcases the stars of the golden age of Hollywood in a skilled and creative way. The movie tells an intriguing story about the skating world, provides entertainment and lessons, and leaves a lasting impression on viewers. It's an excellent addition to any collection of classic films and a must-watch for fans of musicals, romance, and ice skating.

The Ice Follies of 1939 is a 1939 music movie with a runtime of 1 hour and 22 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 5.2.