6.1 The Development of the Hollywood Musical

The Hollywood musical blossomed with the advent of sound in cinema. From backstage stories to integrated narratives, the genre evolved rapidly. Stars like Fred Astaire and Gene Kelly dazzled audiences with their performances, while technological advancements enhanced the visual and audio experience.

The musical's roots in vaudeville and Broadway shaped its style and structure. During the Great Depression and World War II, musicals offered escapism and patriotic themes. The genre's golden age showcased lavish productions and unforgettable performances, leaving a lasting impact on American cinema.

Hollywood Musical Evolution

Rise of the Musical Genre

• The Hollywood musical emerged in the late 1920s and early 1930s, coinciding with the rise of sound in cinema (the "talkies") and the increasing popularity of Broadway musicals
• Early musical films often featured a "backstage" format, showcasing the lives of performers and the production of a musical show within the narrative of the film itself (42nd Street, Gold Diggers of 1933)
• The 1930s saw the development of the "integrated" musical, where songs and dances were more seamlessly woven into the plot and served to advance the story and characters
• The integration of music and narrative in films like Top Hat (1935) and Swing Time (1936) set the standard for the genre

Golden Age of the Hollywood Musical

• The golden age of the Hollywood musical spanned from the late 1930s to the early 1950s, characterized by lavish production values, elaborate dance numbers, and the rise of musical stars like Fred Astaire, Ginger Rogers, Gene Kelly, and Judy Garland
• Iconic films of the golden age include Top Hat (1935), Singin' in the Rain (1952), An American in Paris (1951), and The Wizard of Oz (1939)
• The partnership of Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers in films like Top Hat and Swing Time epitomized the sophistication and elegance of the genre
• Gene Kelly's athletic dance style and innovative choreography in films like An American in Paris and Singin' in the Rain pushed the boundaries of the genre
• The Wizard of Oz's use of Technicolor and its blend of fantasy and music created a landmark in the genre

Influences on Musical Genre

Technological Advancements

• The emergence of sound technology in cinema allowed for the incorporation of synchronized music and dialogue, paving the way for the musical film
• The development of Technicolor and other advances in film technology enabled more visually stunning and elaborate musical productions (The Wizard of Oz, Meet Me in St. Louis)
• Improvements in sound recording and mixing techniques enhanced the audio quality of musical performances in films

Cultural and Economic Factors

• The popularity of Broadway musicals in the 1920s and 1930s provided a rich source of material and talent for Hollywood studios
• The Great Depression fueled audience demand for escapist entertainment, leading to the rise of the musical as a popular genre
• The influence of European operetta and the Ziegfeld Follies contributed to the style and spectacle of early Hollywood musicals
• Post-World War II economic prosperity and the rise of youth culture influenced the themes and styles of musicals in the 1950s (Jailhouse Rock, Love Me Tender)

Theatrical Roots of Musical Film

Vaudeville and Revue Traditions

• Vaudeville, a popular form of variety entertainment in the early 20th century, provided a training ground for many early musical film stars and influenced the structure and style of early musicals
• The theatrical tradition of the "revue" format, featuring a loosely connected series of songs and sketches, influenced the structure of early musical films (The Hollywood Revue of 1929, Paramount on Parade)
• Vaudeville stars like Al Jolson, Eddie Cantor, and Fanny Brice successfully transitioned to musical films in the early sound era

Broadway Adaptations and Influences

• Broadway musicals served as a major source of material for Hollywood adaptations, with many successful stage productions being translated to the screen
• The success of Broadway adaptations like 42nd Street (1933) and Show Boat (1936) demonstrated the potential of the musical film genre
• The integration of dance in Broadway musicals, particularly the work of choreographers like Busby Berkeley and Agnes de Mille, set the stage for the elaborate dance numbers in Hollywood musicals
• Broadway composers and lyricists like Irving Berlin, Cole Porter, and the Gershwin brothers were recruited to write for musical films, bringing their distinctive styles to the genre

Musicals in Depression and War

Escapism and Optimism in the Great Depression

• The Great Depression created a demand for escapist entertainment, and the optimistic, rags-to-riches narratives of many musical films resonated with audiences
• Musical films of the 1930s often featured uplifting themes, lavish production values, and a celebration of the "American Dream," providing a sense of hope and distraction during economic hardship (Gold Diggers of 1933, 42nd Street)
• Busby Berkeley's elaborate and kaleidoscopic dance numbers in films like 42nd Street and Footlight Parade offered visual spectacle and escapism

Wartime Musicals and Patriotism

• The outbreak of World War II shifted the focus of musical films, with many productions incorporating patriotic themes and supporting the war effort
• Films like Yankee Doodle Dandy (1942) and This Is the Army (1943) celebrated American values and boosted morale during wartime
• Musicals featuring military themes and settings, such as Anchors Aweigh (1945) and On the Town (1949), reflected the experiences of soldiers and sailors

Post-War Nostalgia and Decline

• The post-war era saw a decline in the popularity of the musical genre, as audience tastes shifted and the rise of television provided competition for the film industry
• However, the 1950s still produced iconic musical films, such as Singin' in the Rain (1952) and The Band Wagon (1953), which nostalgically celebrated the golden age of the Hollywood musical
• The influence of rock and roll and the rise of the "teenager" as a distinct cultural force led to the development of new musical subgenres in the 1950s (Blackboard Jungle, Rock Around the Clock)