And the Best Picture goes to....

“The Great Ziegfeld” is a lavish biographical film that chronicles the life and career of Broadway impresario Florenz Ziegfeld Jr.  Directed by Robert Z. Leonard, the film captures the essence of Ziegfeld’s larger-than-life personality and his contribution to entertainment.  While some critics argue that the film’s runtime is overly indulgent, spanning three hours, it does succeed in holding the viewer’s attention as it explores Ziegfeld’s rise to fame, his extravagant stage productions, and his tumultuous personal life.

At the heart of the film is William Powell’s charismatic portrayal of the man himself, Florenz Ziegfeld Jr.  This may be a different character for Powell, yet his performance is similar to his other roles, such as the urbane and sophisticated Nick Charles or Philo Vance.  However, William Powell does manage to bring Ziegfeld’s ambition and charm to life, as he captures a man with great artistic vision, as well as flaws and vulnerabilities.

In addition to Powell’s standout performance, Myrna Loy delivers a captivating portrayal of Ziegfeld’s second wife, Billie Burke. Her established on-screen chemistry with Powell adds a poignant layer to the film, depicting an enduring love between the two characters.

Luise Rainer won Best Actress for playing the often high-strung entertainer, Anna Weld, who goes on to become Ziegfeld’s first wife, while the legendary singer and comedian Fanny Brice has a cameo as herself.

The first hour and a half of the film may be devoted mostly to the drama of Ziegfeld’s rise to celebrated showman, but afterwards the audience is treated to a fair dose of big, splashy musical sequences, including the legendary “A Pretty Girl Is Like a Melody” number.  The lavish sets, dazzling costumes, and choreographed extravaganzas are a testament to the opulence of Ziegfeld’s theatrical spectacles, effectively transporting the audience into the world of 1920s show business.

In conclusion, “The Great Ziegfeld” is a tribute to the legacy of Florenz Ziegfeld Jr. and is a showcase of Hollywood’s Golden Age.  With its dazzling production values, stellar performances, and larger-than-life story—this is a film that continues to enthrall audiences.