Mervyn LeRoy’s Gold Diggers of 1933 is a musical pre-code film with music by Harry Warren and lyrics by Al Dubin. It was staged and choreographed by the legendary Busby Berkeley. The film has an all-star cast with screen legends Warren William, Ginger Rogers, Dick Powell, Joan Blondell, and Ned Sparks. The film had often been requested for Blu-ray release by fans for quite some time and Warner Archive has finally delivered the goods!
Gold Diggers of 1933 was made during the great depression and there are plenty of references to it in the film. Four aspiring actresses Polly (Ruby Keeler, 42nd Street), Carol (Joan Blondell, Bullets or Ballots), Trixie (Aline MacMahon, One Way Passage), and Fay (the iconic Ginger Rogers, The Major and the Minor, Primrose Path), are in despair because the show is going to close as the bills haven’t been paid. Producer Barney Hopkins (Ned Sparks, Imitation of Life) has everything ready for his show except for money. Enter Polly’s boyfriend and neighbor Brad Roberts (Dick Powell, Murder My Sweet) who starts playing the piano, and playing it so good, that it attracts Hopkins. Roberts, aware of the financial situation of the show, gives Hopkins $15,000 to keep the show alive but doesn’t want to be part of the show despite him being a great talent. He’s part of a wealthy family that doesn’t want him performing in the theater. Brad unfortunately is forced to play the lead role in the show. Word gets out to his family, leading to his brother Brad’s brother J. Lawrence Bradford (pre-code legend Warren William, Lady for a Day, Three on a Match, The Wolf Man) and family lawyer Faneuil H. Peabody (Guy Kibbee, Rain, Footlight Parade) discover what he is doing and go to New York to stop him from being in the show with a bunch of “gold diggers”. Trouble brews but the show must go on and it does with some fabulous musical numbers.
I thoroughly enjoyed Gold Diggers of 1933 with the great story, cast and fantastic direction. I am a big fan of the hugely successful 42nd Street as well, which is the reason why Gold Diggers of 1933 and other musicals started again in Hollywood.
Warner Archive, much to the delight of fans, have released Gold Diggers of 1933 on Blu-ray. The video quality for this release is simply fantastic with a crisp, clear black and white image throughout. The grayscale on this Blu-ray offers exceptionally strong black levels and bright whites. The video boats ultra-sharp details to the scenery, especially the backgrounds during the great musical numbers. No DNR has been applied for this release. This is simply put nothing short of remarkable.
The English DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 is loud and clear. Both the great musical numbers and spoken dialogue are sharp with no drop-offs or hissing detected. Everything sounds crystal clear and was a wonderful listening experience. English subtitles are available.
Warner has ported over some of their DVD extras for their Blu-ray.
Included for this release are FDR’s New Deal…Broadway Bound has directors John Landis and John Waters, and film historian John Kenrick talking about the film, that it was shot during the depression. Busby Berkeley’s contributions to this picture was also talked about.
There are three Warner Brothers cartoons in this package
We’re in the Money, Pettin’ in the Park and I’ve Got to Sing a Torch Song. These are all fully restored and look terrific.
Warner Brothers Shorts is a trio of musical shorts, also from their DVD release, and include the following:
Rambling ‘Round Radio Row #2
The 42nd Street Special
Seasoned Greetings
A theatrical trailer and a song selection extra where you- can access the film’s 10 main musical numbers, listed below.
Main Title
Gold Diggers Song (We’re in the Money)
Shadow Waltz (Vocal/Piano)
I’ve Got to Sing a Torch Song
Pettin’ in the Park (First Rehearsal)
Pettin’ in the Park (Second Rehearsal)
Pettin’ in the Park (Stage Version)
Shadow Waltz (Stage Version)
Remember My Forgotten Man
End Title
This is a fantastic release from Warner Archive. The audio and video quality of this release are magnanimous, plus they included many of the extras from the DVD release to make this one highly recommended package.
Gold Diggers of 1933
Director- Mervyn LeRoy
Cast- Warren William, Joan Blondell, Ginger Rogers
Country of Origin- United States
Distributor – Warner Archive/Warner Home Video
Number of Discs – 1
Reviewed by – David Steigman
Date –4/2/2022