Film Overview"Puttin' on The Ritz" is an American comedy-musical pre-Code movie that was released on May 29, 1930. Directed by Edward Sloman, this film features an amazing cast consisting of the renowned Harry Richman, Joan Bennett, and James Gleason to name a few. This United Artists release is based upon a tune composed by Irving Berlin who likewise added to the film as an uncredited musical director. It was among the earliest talking films and stood as a landmark in the age of American noise movie theater.
Plot SummaryThe movie's lead character, Harry Raymond (Harry Richman), is a talented vaudeville performer who desires be successful but can't seem to capture a break. A notable downfall for Raymond is his ex-girlfriend and dancer Dolores (Lilyan Tashman) who constantly exploits him economically, pushing him further into his struggling situations. On the other hand, he forms a romantic relationship with a rich socialite named Peggy Cornell, played by Joan Bennett.
Raymond's luck modifications when he befriends an intoxicated named Lefty (James Gleason). By a stroke of possibility, Lefty occurs to be a songwriter. The two sign up with forces, and Raymond brings Lefty's tune 'Puttin' on the Ritz' to the phase. The tune becomes a runaway hit, supplying Raymond with the success he desperately looked for. Nevertheless, his relations with Peggy is evaluated by his newfound fame and Dolores' manipulative schemes.
Performances and StyleHarry Richman's efficiency as Harry Raymond stands out as he enters the shoes of a having a hard time artist and provides a believable character who transitions from rags to riches. The chemistry in between Richman and Joan Bennett likewise includes a lovely romantic element to the film. James Gleason supplies comic relief in his representation of Lefty, appropriately matching the music-driven story.
"Puttin' on the Ritz" combines components of love, comedy, and music, radiating the energy of the vaudeville phase onto the screen. Its blend of sound, tune, humor, and drama became a precursor for Hollywood musicals that would follow it in the subsequent decades.
Legacy and Impact"Puttin' on The Ritz" is finest kept in mind for the eponymous song composed by Irving Berlin that ended up being an immediate hit and a classic in American popular music. The movie's success marked a turning point in the development of sound cinema. Its distinct blend of drama, funny, and music not just charmed audiences however also set a template for the growing genre of Hollywood musicals.
The title track "Puttin' On The Ritz" would later be covered by various artists in various generations highlighting the renowned status of the movie in popular culture. Notably, "Puttin' On The Ritz" was carried out once again on the silver screen by famous actor Fred Astaire in the 1946 film "Blue Skies", even more cementing its location in American movie and music history. Regardless of its age, the movie remains a recommendation point for numerous aspiring musicians, filmmakers and even historians who have an interest in early cinema, showing the enduring influence of "Puttin' on the Ritz".
In summary, "Puttin' On The Ritz" is a charming, dynamic piece of movie theater that marked a substantial step forward in the advancement and appeal of musical films. It is a testimony to the powerhouse that was early Hollywood and continues to be a critical film, specifically for lovers of classic American movie theater.
Top Cast
