
Gold Diggers of 1933
1933, Comedy/Musical, 1h 36m
13 Reviews 1,000+ RatingsYou might also like

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Where to watch
Gold Diggers of 1933 Photos
Movie Info
Things get tough for Carol (Joan Blondell) and her showgirl pals (Ruby Keeler, Aline MacMahon) when the Great Depression kicks in and all the Broadway shows close down. Wealthy songwriter Brad (Dick Powell) saves the day by funding a new Depression-themed musical for the girls to star in, but when his stuffy high-society brother finds out and threatens to disown Brad, Carol and her gold-digging friends scheme to keep the show going, hooking a couple of millionaires along the way.
Cast & Crew
Joan Blondell
Carol King
Carol King
Ruby Keeler
Polly Parker
Polly Parker
Dick Powell
Brad Roberts
Brad Roberts
Aline MacMahon
Trixie Lorraine
Trixie Lorraine
Guy Kibbee
Faneul H. Peabody
Faneul H. Peabody
Warren William
J. Lawrence Bradford
J. Lawrence Bradford
Critic Reviews for Gold Diggers of 1933
Audience Reviews for Gold Diggers of 1933
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Oct 10, 2020Like a lot of these showbiz musicals from the 30s the screenplay is rife with not only clichés but completely similar plot points to five other movies that were released in the same year. That said this has some truly great sequences ("We're in the Money", "Pettin' in the Park", "The Shadow Waltz", and "Remember My Forgotten Man")Alec B Super Reviewer
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Nov 19, 2018Essential pre-code viewing. It has such range â" the Busby Berkeley musical numbers which are outstanding, the bawdy little bits slipped in here and there, and the social commentary, touching on the Depression and veterans of WWI. The plot is contrived and relies on the oft-used trope of meeting an â~ordinary guyâ(TM) who turns out to be rich, but wow that ending and performance of â~Remember My Forgotten Manâ(TM) is something special, and so unique for a musical. Joan Blondellâ(TM)s spoken parts and Etta Motenâ(TM)s soul-piercing vocals are both from the heart, and itâ(TM)s interesting that the number completely supersedes whatever happens to Blondell and Warren Williamâ(TM)s relationship. Berkeley also delivers very different effects in the other numbers â" â~Weâ(TM)re in the Moneyâ(TM), with those giant coins and tight shots on the chorus girls, â~Pettinâ(TM) in the Parkâ(TM) with that naughty â~babyâ(TM) and the two tiers of women changing outfits in silhouette, and â~The Shadow Waltzâ(TM), with that ethereal, dreamy swirling. I loved how he puts in a cameo as well â" look for him as the â~call boyâ(TM) knocking on dressing room doors before â~Remember My Forgotten Manâ(TM). Iâ(TM)m not a huge Dick Powell or Ruby Keeler fan, but they are pretty endearing here, and Powellâ(TM)s vocals really take us back to the 1930â(TM)s, and a completely different style. The plot, which has three chorus girls (Blondell, Keeler, and Aline MacMahon) pairing up with three affluent guys (William, Powell, and Guy Kibbee), while trying to squeeze another (Ginger Rogers) out of the equation, isnâ(TM)t amazing or anything, but the dialogue is entertaining and while we see some prancing around in lingerie, the female characters are all more than cardboard characters or simple â~gold diggersâ(TM). Blondell is wonderful and made several great films in this era; I think sheâ(TM)s underrated. The film has such life to it, and with all of the elements it has, really showcases the era.Antonius B Super Reviewer
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Jun 08, 2014A politically engaged (and very funny) musical that reflects the historical context to which it belongs and, clearly in favor of Roosevelt's New Deal, uses the magical transformation of the limited theater stage into a gigantic cinematic space to show that everything is possible.Carlos M Super Reviewer
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Sep 27, 2012Tastefully shot, playfully acted, and immaculately staged, this Depression-Era musical features a humorous and lighthearted script as well as some rather stunning stage performances. The cast does a phenomenal job of absolutely owning their respective roles, and legendary choreographer Busby Berkeley's music numbers do nothing but dazzle with their boundless creativity and focus.Kristijonas F Super Reviewer
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