Ziegfeld Girl Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

Three aspiring showgirls navigate fame, tragedy, and suspiciously flimsy costumes on Broadway, while one of their boyfriends inexplicably becomes a gangster because she chose fancy hats over him.

🍿 Ziegfeld Girl: Detailed Plot Synopsis

Becoming Ziegfeld Girls

In the glamorous 1920s, the Ziegfeld Follies represents the pinnacle of Broadway success, a dream for aspiring young women. Flo Ziegfeld’s talent scouts discover three distinct women who are invited to join the famed show. Sheila Regan, an elevator operator from Flatbush, catches the eye of a Ziegfeld assistant. Susan Gallagher, a seasoned 19-year-old vaudeville singer, gets an audition to showcase her vocal talents. Sandra Kolter, a beautiful European immigrant, is noticed backstage while accompanying her concert violinist husband’s audition.

Different Paths to Fame

Joining the Follies thrusts the three women into a world of opportunity and temptation. Sheila, initially devoted to her truck driver boyfriend Gil, is quickly drawn into the high society lifestyle offered by a wealthy playboy. Sandra’s rise causes conflict with her proud husband, who resents her displaying her beauty for others while he struggles to find work. Meanwhile, young Susan navigates the Follies while balancing her loyalty to her old-school vaudevillian father, whose outdated style clashes with modern Broadway.

Entanglements and Downward Spirals

Sheila embraces the lavish lifestyle, choosing wealth over Gil’s love, leading to their painful separation. Her newfound success is accompanied by a growing reliance on alcohol. Sandra finds herself tempted by a handsome, married co-star, adding to the strain on her marriage. Gil, heartbroken and seeking quick money to win Sheila back, becomes involved in bootlegging, leading him down a dangerous path.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Sheila Regan (Lana Turner): The ambitious elevator operator whose rapid rise as a Ziegfeld Girl leads to estrangement from her loyal boyfriend and a tragic downfall.
• Susan Gallagher (Judy Garland): A talented young vaudeville singer joining the Follies who must balance her own aspirations with her devotion to her old-fashioned father.
• Sandra Kolter (Hedy Lamarr): A mysterious European beauty whose career as a Ziegfeld Girl creates conflict with her classical musician husband and exposes her to romantic temptation.
• Gilbert Young (James Stewart): Sheila’s earnest truck driver boyfriend who becomes disillusioned by her changing values and enters a life of crime after their relationship sours.
• ‘Pop’ Gallagher (Charles Winninger): Susan’s traditional vaudeville father who initially struggles to accept her evolving performing style but ultimately finds his own place in the Follies.
• Franz Kolter (Philip Dorn): Sandra’s proud but struggling concert violinist husband who disapproves of her scantily-clad performances in the Follies and separates from her.
• Patsy Dixon (Eve Arden): A witty and experienced Ziegfeld girl who offers cynical observations about the realities of show business life.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Noble Sage: “…Some of you will end up with your name in lights. Some of you will end up with a husband and kids. And some of you are going to end up… well, not so good. But don’t blame it on the Follies…” – Spoken during an opening night speech to the new Ziegfeld Girls, foreshadowing the different paths the main characters will take.
• Sheila Regan: “Waiter, a stack of wheats for the lady!” – Said by Sheila in a moment of awkward bravado in a fancy restaurant, highlighting her working-class background and discomfort in the new high-society world she is entering.
• Pop Gallagher: “Absolutely, Mr. Gallagher?” – Part of the classic vaudeville routine performed by Pop Gallagher (Charles Winninger) and Al Shean (playing himself), eliciting the response ‘Positively, Mr. Shean!’.
• Susan Gallagher: “I’m always chasing rainbows…” – Part of the lyric Susan sings softly during her audition, showcasing her true singing talent after her father initially pushes her to perform too loudly in the old vaudeville style.
• Sheila Regan: “I’m going back… just for tonight.” – Sheila says this with determination near the end of the film, seeing a newspaper article about Susan’s success and deciding to attend the Follies one last time despite her tragic circumstances.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $1,968,000
• Domestic Gross: Not Available
• Worldwide Gross: $3,072,000

💥 Ziegfeld Girl Reviews

Personal Review

I went into Ziegfeld Girl mainly for the stars, especially Judy Garland and Jimmy Stewart, and the promise of those classic Busby Berkeley numbers. And wow, some of those stage sequences, like ‘Minnie From Trinidad’ and ‘You Stepped Out of a Dream,’ are pure old Hollywood magic! The costumes alone are insane in the best way. I totally agree with people who said they wish it was in color, though, they’d be even crazier! But man, the dramatic parts really drag. Lana Turner’s storyline, while intense, felt a bit heavy-handed, and poor Jimmy Stewart seemed completely out of place as that truck driver/gangster. Hedy Lamarr was unbelievably beautiful but her character didn’t have much to do. It felt like three separate, sometimes overly dramatic, stories crammed into one long movie. Still, seeing these legends so young and the sheer spectacle of the musical numbers made it worth watching for me. It’s definitely a product of its time – you have to just roll with the melodrama and enjoy the glitter and the talent when it’s on screen.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of classic Hollywood musicals”
  • “Viewers interested in backstage dramas”
  • “Fans of Judy Garland, Lana Turner, Hedy Lamarr, and James Stewart”
  • “Those interested in Busby Berkeley’s choreography”
  • “Fans of melodramatic storylines”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Themes of alcoholism and substance abuse”
  • “Dramatic portrayals of hardship and downfall”
  • “May contain themes or depictions considered sexist or outdated by modern standards (as noted in some reviews)”
  • “Contains sequences of intense melodrama”

Professional Reviews

• Synthesized from User Reviews: “This musical attempts a grand backstage melodrama but struggles with pacing and plot. While the visual spectacle, especially the Busby Berkeley-staged numbers and Adrian’s opulent costumes, is often stunning despite being in black and white, the dramatic storylines involving the three leads feel clichéd and overlong. Performances vary; Judy Garland shines in her musical moments, Lana Turner tackles a challenging role, but Hedy Lamarr is mostly decorative and Jimmy Stewart feels miscast. It’s a visually impressive film let down by its uneven narrative and excessive melodrama.
• Synthesized from User Reviews: “A sprawling, soapy affair that crams too much predictable drama between its dazzling musical set pieces. The stories of ambition, love triangles, and downfall feel heavy-handed and can make the two-hour-plus runtime a slog. Though the individual talents of Garland (vocally), Turner (dramatically), and Lamarr (visually) are undeniable, the script doesn’t always serve them well. While there are moments of visual and musical brilliance, the film feels weighed down by its overwrought melodrama and a surprising lack of narrative cohesion.

Audience Reactions

Busby Berkeley’s elaborate production numbers and the lavish costumes are breathtaking.: Viewers frequently praise the visual spectacle, the performances of Judy Garland (singing) and often Lana Turner (dramatically), and the nostalgic look at the Ziegfeld era, despite the heavy melodrama.

Lana Turner’s dramatic ‘fall from grace’ storyline is compelling, if a bit over the top.: Many viewers found the dramatic elements, particularly Sheila’s arc, engaging, although some felt they made the movie too long and overly ‘soapy’. The star power of the cast is a major draw.

Overall Consensus: Ziegfeld Girl is a visually opulent backstage musical featuring stunning production numbers and a legendary cast, but its overly dramatic and sometimes dated storylines can make it feel slow and uneven.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “The scene where Judy Garland’s character auditions is remarkably similar to Garland’s own audition for MGM in 1935, including her father initially accompanying her and an executive stepping in to coach her on style.”
• “Despite being set in the 1920s, several costumes worn by the showgirls clearly reflect early 1940s fashion trends.”
• “Flo Ziegfeld, the renowned showman, is frequently mentioned throughout the film and is central to the plot, but he is never actually seen on screen.”
• “The extravagant staircase finale sequence reuses footage from MGM’s earlier film, ‘The Great Ziegfeld’ (1936), blending new shots of Judy Garland with original footage.”
• “Legendary MGM costume designer Adrian created the elaborate and often surreal costumes for the Ziegfeld numbers, many of which were so complex and detailed (like being covered in sequins, beads, or even birds) that replicating them today would be exceptionally difficult due to the lack of skilled artisans.”
• “Paul Kelly, who plays show director John Slayton, had recently returned to Hollywood after serving time in prison for manslaughter following a brawl, making this a notable comeback role for him.”

🖥️ How to Watch Ziegfeld Girl?

To watch ‘Ziegfeld Girl’ (1941), you can typically find it available to search, rent, or purchase on platforms like Amazon. Check major digital retailers and classic film streaming services for current availability.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Ziegfeld Girl, you might like these similar films:

• The Great Ziegfeld (1936): A direct predecessor and spiritual sequel focusing more on Flo Ziegfeld himself, sharing lavish production numbers and covering similar themes of the Follies’ impact.
• 42nd Street (1933): A quintessential backstage musical from the same era and choreographer (Busby Berkeley) that follows the struggles and triumphs of aspiring performers trying to make it on Broadway.
• Stage Door (1937): Focuses on a group of aspiring actresses living in a boarding house, exploring their dreams, rivalries, and the harsh realities of show business, similar to the multi-protagonist drama here.
• For Me and My Gal (1942): Another popular musical drama starring Judy Garland set during the vaudeville and early Broadway era, dealing with themes of partnership, ambition, and performance.
• Valley of the Dolls (1967): A later, much darker, and more sensationalized take on the theme of young women finding fame, fortune, and personal destruction (specifically through addiction and troubled relationships) in the entertainment industry.
• Burlesque (2010): A modern musical film about a small-town girl moving to Los Angeles to pursue a career as a performer in a neo-burlesque club, offering a contemporary perspective on similar themes of ambition and the showgirl world.

🛒 Ziegfeld Girl Related Products

• Ziegfeld Girl Blu-ray: Experience the glamour and drama of Ziegfeld Girl in high definition. This Blu-ray transfer often brings out the detail in the costumes and choreography, offering a clearer view of the spectacle.
• Ziegfeld Girl Original Soundtrack: Relive the musical highlights of the film, featuring Judy Garland’s classic performances like ‘I’m Always Chasing Rainbows’ and Tony Martin’s ‘You Stepped Out of a Dream’.
• The Ziegfeld Follies: A History: Dive deeper into the world of Florenz Ziegfeld and his legendary Follies with a comprehensive historical book. Learn about the real showgirls, the elaborate productions, and the cultural impact of the Follies.
• Vintage Ziegfeld Girl Movie Poster Print: Adorn your walls with a high-quality print of the original movie poster, featuring the iconic imagery and the legendary cast of Lana Turner, Judy Garland, and Hedy Lamarr.

🎧 Soundtrack

Ziegfeld Girl features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “Laugh? I Thought I’d Split My Sides” – performed by Charles Winninger and Judy Garland
• “You Stepped Out of a Dream” – performed by Tony Martin
• “I’m Always Chasing Rainbows” – performed by Judy Garland
• “Minnie from Trinidad” – performed by Judy Garland

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

I’m Always Chasing Rainbows-Judy Garland

Want to see Judy Garland’s stunning performance of ‘I’m Always Chasing Rainbows’ right from the movie? It’s absolutely heartbreaking and shows off her incredible talent!

Chicago (2002): the history of showgirl costumes

Ever wonder about the real history behind those dazzling showgirl costumes? This video dives into the fascinating world of Ziegfeld-era fashion and culture – it’s way more insightful than you might think!

Ziegfeld Style Nightclub Act from 1929 (Part One)

Curious about what a *real* Ziegfeld-style show looked like back in the day? Check out this amazing historical clip from 1929 – it’s like a time machine showing you the world these ‘Ziegfeld Girls’ lived in!

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