vincentlynch-moonoi I don't know exactly why, but I didn't have high hopes for this film, but I quite wrong. A very good mid-1930s musical! Let's start out with the negatives. Chief among them was the casting of -- or perhaps I should blame it on the director on the performance of -- Buddy Ebsen. I'll admit to not being a particular fan of Ebsen's, and perhaps that's quite a bit to do with his sting on "THe Beverly Hillbillies" in the 1960s, but I am really not impressed here. It seems to me that what they (or he) wanted to do with his character was to make a White Stepin Fetchit, except that Lincoln Perry was more talented. I really see NOTHING entertaining about Ebsen's acting here, and his dancing is not much more than satisfactory. My other criticism is the sneezing routine; what a waste of celluloid.Aside from those 2 issues, there's quite a bit of good stuff here, starting with an otherwise fine cast. Robert Taylor is very good as the trying-to-be a Broadway producer. Eleanor Powell always impresses me with her dancing, although this is not her finest performance. Judy Garland is really good here as a teenage girl on her way to stardom, and this is the film where she performs her memorable love letter to Clark Gable ("You Made Me Love You"); what a fine vocalist she was even at this young age (15). It's great to see Sophie Tucker, particularly where she does a somewhat short version of "Some Of These Days"; she also plays a wonderfully sympathetic character here. George Murphy shows just how good a dancer he was, and that was darned good...although sometimes he had to look down, while Fred Astaire never would have. Robert Benchley is here, but adds little. Billy Gilbert is very funny in his constant apoplecty.In terms of a plot...well it's a hodge podge of horse racing, a Broadway play, love and jealousy, and dreams of stardom. Yes, a hodge podge, but it somehow all comes together without seeming to silly.While this is not one of the later great musicals put out by MGM, bu mid-1930s standards, it's very good and well worth watching.

atlasmb "Broadway Melody of 1938" feels like the real start to Judy Garland's film career. After it was made, she was very busy cranking them out for MGM. In this film, she is still being portrayed as the child performer, dressed in ankle socks and Buster Brown outfits. She was approximately age 15 during the production of this film and they were fighting her budding bustline, but she was still viewed as the cute young girl who could swing and scat. She is only seventh billed for this film, however, with plenty of talent headlining.Personally, I love B&W films where the images are crisp, with clear contrast. "BM38" is delightfully clean.I noted right away that the director intended to use the camera in creative ways. In the opening shot, the camera tracks down a marquee, crosses the street (Broadway?) and moves down the sidewalk to a sign. I don't want such camera work to detract from the action, but if it adds to the spectacle or adds emotional impact, it is welcome. Note the dance scene that takes place in a railroad car. The camera frames the dance in various ways, adding action to the performance.The story itself is about the machinations behind the scenes of a Broadway revue--the raising of funds, the casting, the political concerns. The cast is talented and energetic. The songs and dances are very entertaining.There is one part they could have left out--a specialty act in which a guy ruminates on the types of sneezes. Sometimes studios find it difficult to leave out the kitchen sink, even when it brings the action to a complete halt. But if you can overlook this one distraction, "BM38" is well worth viewing.

Gabriel Getti The Second of the trio of Broadway Melodies and compared to Broadway Melody of 1936, 1936 has a much more detailed and entertaining storyline than BM of 1938.The Finale of Broadway Melody of 1938 has to be the most memorable and true zest and meaning of Broadway. Eleanor Powell, manages to display this Broadway Rhythm perfectly.George Murphy and Buddy Ebsen are also a funny duo with fine chemistry between Robert Taylor and Eleanor Powell. Judy Garland makes her appearance along with famous Sophie Tucker with the numbers "Everybody Sing" and "You made me love you", the famous song written for Judy Garland to sing to the well known charming actor Clark Gable

jenabaum After finding success with the two previous "Broadway Melodies", MGM must have realized they had something.... However, this third installment is not the best, although there are some fun performances from Eleanor Powell, Sophie Tucker and Judy Garland.Eleanor's finale is something to see, as is the sweet song "Dear Mr. Gable (You Made Me Love You)" that Judy sings as a love letter to Clark's portrait.