Ziegfeld Style Finale (1929)

Songs "Ladies of the Dance" sung by Howard Conrad and "The Flippity Flop" sung by Marjorie 'Babe' Kane and danced by Hal Skelly. Music by Richard Whiting.
Originally a Technicolor sequence.

[@AtomicCat7978]

Wow! Nothing like the good ol' 1920's! Gorgeous production. Wish I could have been there to see that live and in person! Beautiful costumes! I'm glad someone put this on KZbin. I always wondered what this was all about. I have even seen paperdolls made from this. Again, thanks for posting this wonderful production.

[@robertheintze9413]

If you could have seen this live, you'd be dead now. Who would choose to have been an adult almost 100 years ago?

[@pjperily2000]

This is really beautiful, I appreciate these Video's are still around today 🤩

[@ellasmommy9278]

I adore these movies. Trying to find a full version on KZbin. I watched them at every opportunity when I was growing up. The music and the dancing was just off-the-charts

[@robertheintze9413]

The music was off the charts? If suckage? lol

[@jackeygibney893]

Love this. I’m in Follies right now so I’m doing character work looking into what it must have felt like for my character I’m playing 60+ year old Stella Deems. Imagining when she was a follies girl back when she was young as she reminisces during the musical. Such a beautiful era. The choreography in this is stunning. The costumes are stunning, the voices are stunning. It’s just amazing.

[@alexarobinson2850]

Folly girls are still a thing??

[@jackeygibney893]

@@alexarobinson2850it’s a musical by Stephen Sondheim about the Follies girls all grown up and meeting at the Wiseman theater for a reunion before it gets torn down. With flashbacks of the past so younger people playing the young follies girls and the older people like me playing the now retired follies girls. I’m 42 so way younger then the character i played but that’s why acting is so fun. 🤩 The Musical is literally called “Follies”

[@Jotaemesg]

The "Ladies of the dance" song is beautiful. It`s really a treat.

[@richard526]

Please keep these coming. It’s what makes KZbin great.

[@marcosandreshansbelger1325]

1929.. the year that my great-grandfather was born in Poland. Amazing costumes!! How can they move with all those big-everything?

[@angelicajohnson2369]

My great great aunt Magda is dancing in this but idk which one she is 😢 rip aunt Magda she died in 1933😢

[@mainaccount131]

Absolutely superlative with very good interesting video

[@jamesjordan5214]

What an Era! Not my era, but one I am so attuned to! The music, the movies and the culture leave the current era in tha backwater. Never again!

[@jeffcraven7376]

+James Jordan Flapper showgirls and dancers turn me on, to bad we weren't both born about 1905.

[@jamesjordan5214]

Yes, an era that had its problems, but oh, what it produced! We will never see or relive that wonderful era of great Jazz and popular music and incredible movies! I am so grateful that so much has been preserved on record and film, books, illustrations and all the other media that illustrate the wonderful 1920's and 1930's. We can be grateful that KZbin is a great depositor and expositor of this creative era. I have much of that era in my collection, but KZbin overwhelms me in this respect! Let's hope that KZbin endures!

[@jeffcraven7376]

Because of You Tube I can see the musicians and singers perform who've I've listened to my whole life.You Tube makes it so much easier than digging out a 78 rpm, plus the content on You tube overwhelms the size of my record collection; a lot of times you get to see the performer(s) do their thing. The 20's & 30's: another time, another place, but I was there atleast in spirit.

[@markbeck8384]

I actually love seeing this style of show every once in a while, just as I miss the old Vegas French showgirly shows, and the old huge touring ice shows. It's just sort of fun to mix slapstick and glamour. I probably would have liked top notch Burlesque/Vaudeville even, if I had ever seen it. I know that time has passed, but I still enjoy the videos.

[@michaeljarosz4062]

Ah yes.....Ice Capades, Ice Follies....gave the Olympic winners employment after winning their medals!

[@elderlypoodle9181]

What a great ending!!!... Thanks for the use of the hall. 👍

[@esmeephillips5888]

You can see the contrast in preferred body shapes between the tall, stately figures of Ziegfeldian showgirls, who only have to process like mannequins (with head-dresses on top rather than books), and the shorter and sturdier chorines. The latter group's formation work in a long line after Nancy Carroll's song is far better than it would have been at the start of the Twenties, showing how John Tiller and Russell Markert had raised the bar. The preconditions for great musical cinema were being fulfilled. Choreographer Earl Lindsay was a Broadway vet. This was the first of four films for which he staged dances in 1929-30, but his career seems to have ended with them.

[@cattycorner8]

Esmee Phillips Hi! You know a lot about 1900-1929 Broadway? Staging of large dance numbers in 1920 were not as polished as in 1929? And the two men you mentioned, John Tiller and Russell Markert were choreographers? This is fantastically interesting to me.

[@esmeephillips5888]

@@cattycorner8 John Tiller, an Englishman, invented precision dancing with long chorus lines high-stepping in unison or performing complex maneuvers. He took this style to the USA and set up a school which trained instructors. A Tiller Girls show greatly impressed a young hoofer named Russ Markert. He imitated it and was engaged by the new Radio City Music Hall to stage floor shows complementing its ballet company. That gave birth to the Rockettes, which Markert ran for 39 years until 1991. Busby Berkeley is given credit for many moves which these two guys originated on stage. Tiller died before sound films came in and Markert preferred Broadway to Hollywood. Being a Rockette is probably the most demanding gig in popular dance.

[@aegisofhonor]

this was a shell of what it was about 12 years earlier in the mid to late 1910s when the Zigfield Follies was at it's pinticle of perfection and style. Zigfield tried to maintain the perfection from that time into the 20s, but he just couldn't quite make them as grand as he did in the 1910s.

[@marcmomus]

How do you know? Is there extant film of them in the 1910’s?

[@tessdurberville711]

Ziegfeld. Pinnacle.

[@JulianneHannes]

Keep in mind that all those costumes were hand beaded and hand embroidered, that's over a billion beads and sequins some underpaid seamstress spent months embroidering them on by hand

[@brendamaybery6897]

Yes, but it was the Depression and I'm sure they were happy to have work, no matter how tedious and underpaid.

[@Apple-zq2uu]

Zeigfield spent a lot on his shows. I bet the pay was pretty good.

[@elderlypoodle9181]

Yes!!! The detail and beauty 🙏🏻♥️

[@whatafreakinusername]

You mean a million?

[@mhzprayer]

Not many job fields where people look upon your work with awe and wonder 100 years later. Computer programs are gone in a couple years and most buildings dont last a century. But those costumes are mythical magical things immortalized on film and inspiring after 100 years!

[@zoej1844]

This is peak entertainment.. what I’d do to see those costumes in person..!

[@ClarasBeau]

Sweet of you to post this... What a show!... Thanks - -

[@jameshorn270]

Seems to be from a movie called the Dance of Life, made in 1929. Originally color, but no color prints are known to survive. Story is about a dancer and a comedian in Ziegfield type shows, and the girl's difficulty keeping the comic sober long enough to do his job. Hal Skelly is the comic, Nancy Caroll is the singer/dancer.

[@elizabethwatts9754]

There would not have been colour prints. In those days they used technicolour, which used black and white film

[@normm5025]

At 6:33, you can see Hal Skelly briefly pause and look down, so he can align and lock his shoes into something in the floor that lets him sway sideways without falling.

[@marcmomus]

Norm M: A device that Michael Jackson saw, copied and even patented!

[@ebarrett454]

so wonderful!

[@jcsgodmother]

Loved it.

[@michellecarlin6579]

It is like I am in a time capsule

[@gtlfb]

"If you like your shredded wheat sweetened with a ukulele beat" - don't write 'em like that anymore.

[@Micelli1947]

Great post.

[@caroltenge5147]

"the dance of life" the film this excerpt is taken from is a sensation! Check it out' youll be so happy you did. Thanks so for your posting this great piece of theatre/film! Carol

[@ariannadorsey6214]

I was only curious of this because of school (drama class). The old days fascinates even someone like me; someone deeply devoted to modern technology and shows/movies. To be honest, I would totally go to see one of these. They're quite cool, in my honest opinion.

[@pedroguedes278]

This is all about the magic of technology. You can travel over to 100 years ago without any cost!

[@harleancarpenter8043]

It was a fun time. Girls struggling to make it as extras in silent movies, who were decent/good dancers suddenly became desired by studios. Mind, its clear from this, that they were still sorting the good dancers from the not so good at this time.

[@saintmichael1779]

"You Stepped Out of a Dream" from "Ziegfeld Girl." "His Love Makes Me Beautiful" from "Funny Girl."

[@user-le8oz8rc1o]

Wonderful!

[@k.m.h7480]

Beauty was everything at the start of the 20th century women really put in the work in those days . Now they just don’t care or want to be objectified but I like to look at these old time things they really are fascinating

[@utan711]

Fabulous!

[@hectorthewonderdog]

Heaven!

[@esmeephillips5888]

Hal Skelly, the drunken star, went on to play another lush in DW Griffith's last film, 'The Struggle'. He died a few years later when his truck was hit by a freight train.

[@clincpb8903]

We do not create this type of show anymore ! Aesthetics are gone.

[@marygambino1389]

We came close with Busby Berkeley.

[@cbm2156]

Even if they did, everyone would be checking their smart phones and not paying attention.

[@cattycorner8]

@@marygambino1389 He was already choreographing Broadway shows in the 1920's and doing the big musicals in films in the early 1930's.

[@paulj0557tonehead]

Wait, Margie Kane?? God I love this!

[@jasoncarr4904]

I wonder if Rodgers & Hammerstein had this in mind when they wrote 'Gliding Through My Memoree' for Flower Drum Song!?

[@レオのまま]

なんでも再現できてしまう現代だけど、こういうのは劇場で実物を観てみたい💓

[@lillinablue]

This is a rare

[@clintonearlwalker]

I see it as a bunch of women trying to make a living. This was 1929, the stock market crashed in October. Just finding enough food to eat was problem. These women obviously put a lot of effort and practice into this number, not to mention the complete orchestra. "Movies" were a thing of the future, except for silent black and white with a few exceptions. These were simply women putting on a show, trying to make a living.

[@Handiman544]

There was a misconception about the Great Depression. Not everyone suffered. Most of the hard times fell on people who lived in the cities. The rural areas of America were not directly affected since most people who lived outside cities were farmers and could live off the land. They made just about everything they needed, grew their own food, didn't have any money invested in stocks, and were pretty much self sufficient. I have this information on direct authority on some who lived through it. Americans have lost their resourcefulness and now are helpless if they loose their can openers.

[@389383]

So the Dust Bowl never happened. Farms didn't get foreclosed. Tell that to all the Oakies that went west. If people in the cities couldn't afford food how were the farmers supposed to sell their crops?

[@Grundsau47]

J kK Vass you dere Sharlie? ---Jack Pearl---

[@miriamhavard7621]

@@389383 it's 1929. The dust bowl wasn't there yet but it was on it's way.

[@esmeephillips5888]

Nancy Carroll, the soubrette who sings squeakily halfway through, was 26 and already an established draw in talkies, Hence Paramount, to which she was contracted, cast her instead of the unkhown kid who had starred in the Broadway original: one Ruby Stevens, soon to rechristen herself Barbara Stanwyck. Nancy was 'difficult' on set, always disappearing with some new beau. Although Paramount was the leader in musicals, she exhausted its patience and was not re-signed in 1933. In 1938 she turned her back on Tinseltown, but remained quite popular on stage until a heart attack killed her aged 61.

[@atqui]

Nancy Carroll is not part of that number. The female singer is Marjorie Kane.

[@esmeephillips5888]

@@atqui Ah, I did worry after posting that the lady looked too young and short. Nancy was 5'4. Thanks for the correction. I will leave the comment up for its info.

[@AbrahamDiner]

The showgirl sings in the style of "Betty Boop"

[@mollygarden9535]

That's Marjorie Kane. I think that was kind of a popular style back then.

[@ClarasBeau]

This apparently is all that survives of this segment (I'm noticing the "skips" in the soundtrack...). I'm also wondering if this number was originally filmed in Technicolor? Anyway...Over all, the sound seems to be pretty darn good for an early talkie... A pleasure! Thanks - -

[@miriamhavard7621]

Technicolor????!

[@cattycorner8]

@@miriamhavard7621 Yes. It was used sparingly, and usually just tints, nothing like the color that would be used in the 1950's

[@TheLordZoka]

When I watched The Producers "Springtime for Hitler" scene, I thought of this.

[@ritawing1064]

Me too

[@miriamhavard7621]

😂😂😂😂😂

[@jlasf]

Of course. That is Mel Brooks' parody of a Ziegfeld number. kzbin.info/www/bejne/raewkH2mpruceKM

[@sarahperez1134]

Ziegfeld Style Finale (1929) / Sonny Boy (1928)

[@DeadAbeVigoda]

Reminds me of Jubilee! in Vegas, which is now gone.

[@tessdurberville711]

Sadly. I cannot believe that someone did not have the foresight to film the entire show and put it on a DVD so that people could enjoy it who were never able to see it in person.

[@adeline4610]

Being a part of the Follies was pretty racy at the time... good stuff

[@atqui]

It could actually be the opposite, because "It's a Great Life" was released four months later.

[@johnclarke5459]

This is totally beyond "Springtime for Hitler or Kitch for Kitch sake!!!

[@paulmicelli5819]

Party time, then the CRASH!

[@worker999alltime3]

The all been made - shown & song-BEFORE the second part of 20-th century (only music been new) -BUT all other - the same & in the 21 century! (as 90 years ago!) (& no Lights & lasers & microphones!)

[@nervousbunnygaming]

Jesus that looks expensive

[@Organgrinder1010]

Definitely no anorexic dancers here, and how choreography has changed. Great video!

[@jennytodd6150]

They had real romance.

[@chookaschookas444]

There are so many similarities with the original Stephen Sondheim "FOLLIES" costumes by Florence Klotz. Everything changes/Everything stays the same

[@Handiman544]

My God...Deco for days

[@mollygarden9535]

This is the kind of "international" revue they were making fun of in the floor show in "Nothing Sacred" LOL

[@tesssanders7993]

Anyone remember the "*I Love Lucy* episode where she was wearing a head-dress costume like this? It was hilarious because it was so huge she couldn't ealk especially down the stairs!

[@dutertefan]

I believe Lucille Ball started off as a Ziegfeld girl.

[@jimboy419]

OH no "Do the Hippity Hop" ear worm.

[@marygambino1389]

It is titled Ziegfeld Style. If this isn't The Follies, it's gotta be their understudies?

[@andresmanuel2051]

If they brought this back they would have sold out shows

[@ClarasBeau]

OK, I'm sorry, but um... at 4:18, do you see what I see (the set design in the background)? Does that not look like - - ?.... Jeez, you wonder... (OK, just sayin'...) :O

[@olie171]

Yes I see what you were saying and to be honest, I think it would be a lot more interesting if they were really intended that way. Let's celebrate the most glorious part of male anatomy!

[@dunc221]

Now they struggle to produce a “Barbie movie”. It would appear American Entertainment’s best days were over one hundred years ago.

[@gucciboy1952]

c est magnifique aujourdhui c est porno avant c était grandiose et elegant et ces femmes avaient vraiement du talent

[@haris8853]

Oui oui

[@michaelmcgee8543]

they are slightly copying the number Hoisier Hop from It's a great life.1929

[@ytbrtzg]

Where is this from? Pardon me if I missed it.

[@rogerpropes7129]

What is that man doing to his trousers?

[@ytbrtzg]

I am not able to find the name of the movie. Anyone know?

[@esmeephillips5888]

Think it's Paramount's 'The Dance of Life' from 1929, the year when cinemas were flooded by canned stage shows.

[@robertm2000]

Uh - no. I see a group of performers from 1929. Ethnicity doesn't enter into it and gender is a part but not the cornerstone either. What I see are talented professionals who are performing in a show that is produced by Flo Ziegfeld. It's an interesting look into public preferences from a long time ago. I'm male, a performer myself and I think you do a real disservice to everyone who enjoys well performed theater with such blatant stereotypes.

[@389383]

Gender WAS the cornerstone of the Follies. Men come out to look at beautiful women, the women came out to look at the clothes.

[@miriamhavard7621]

k

[@jourwalis-8875]

Is this really a sync-sound recording from 1929?

[@cattycorner8]

Yes.

[@karlellison5094]

Marjorie Kane also played W. C. Field's dental assistant in "The Dentist". kzbin.info/www/bejne/rqe0g4yabd2Ij7c

[@알흠다운비너쑤]

revue

[@cstoff6066]

4:17 Temple of Doom anyone?

[@JerryDillon-r3x]

SOOO.....THEY STOLE THAT FROM MEL BROOKS SHOWING HIS GENIUS ...EVEN BACK THEN WHEN HE WAS JUST A LAD!!!!😄😄😄

[@1990pommie]

ONE wonders ? what all the Bikini kerfluffle, was about? when dancers wore outfits very much like it way back then

[@flamingvans1135]

This was 1929. Four years later, the Hays censorship office started cracking down. They buttoned up Maureen O'Sullivan's "Jane costume in the "Tarzan" movies, and limited the length that characters could kiss at one time. No gays. No blacks, except as servants. No profanity, except "Gone With the Wind" Things started loosening up in the '50's, but it wasn't until 1968 that movie ratings started. I'm still trying to figure out how "Midnight Cowboy got an "X", even in 1969.

[@jlasf]

"Springtime for Hitler" in "The Producers" is basically a parody of this kind of number: kzbin.info/www/bejne/Z6u8YqKorbxrd9k

[@sarahperez1134]

55555555555555555555555555555555 at 9:45-10:00:25

[@ОльгаПавловна-21]

Вот так смотришь старые фильмы и ... kzbin.info/www/bejne/hoipq6KfdqaqbdE

[@mylittledogshoppesouthpark1350]

While watching this clip I keep on thinking Springtime for Hitler!

[@WSNmin]

JESUS CHRIST IS LORD - For the grace of God has appeared that offers salvation to all people. Trust JESUS CHRIST and He will save you - Call Him and He will give you everything you need

[@bobbyfrancis8957]

Are you going to be particular?

[@arnoldstollar5375]

Dum show?

[@johntyjp]

No wonder Wall St collapsed that year 🙄

[@robertdickins9409]

I only like mature women. Cant stand shows that exploit children.

[@stuartlee6622]

Where are the African-Americans??

[@tessdurberville711]

Stuart Lee The Cotton Club. There may be videos here or you might enjoy the Coppola film of the same name (1984).

[@miriamhavard7621]

Segregated, working in the janitorial dept., chauffeuring, babysitting, cooking.

[@ceceliaclarke9147]

@@miriamhavard7621 so do you have a problem with cooking? just how do you think food was prepared, without someone to bake, boil, or roast it? Just where did you get the idea that there is something degrading about working as a chef or a cook? Why do you think that you should eliminate every job as not suitable, so that what's left for acquiring money is welfare or shoplifting? You degrade every decent job, as though certain people are too good for it...and you degrade people. I doubt that you can actually explain what is bad about working as a chauffeur.