The Great Ziegfeld

This 1936 Best Picture Oscar winner is every bit extravagant as its subject: theatrical empresario Florence Ziegfeld, Jr. Said Newsweek, "it carries on his tradition of superlatives: the most expensive actors, the best dancers, the most beautiful girls " William Powell gives one of his most acclaimed performances as the legendary Ziegfeld. Joining him are other stars from the MGM constellation: Myrna Loy (Powell's partner in The Thin Man series), Luise Rainer (the portrayal that won her the first of two consecutive Oscars ), The Wizard of Oz's Frank Morgan and Ray Bolger, and, in a rare screen appearance, the legendary Ziegfeld star Fannie Brice (whose life story would later become the stage and movie hit Funny Girl). Of course, it wouldn't be Ziegfeld without a parade of tunes (more than 20!), Showgirls (more than 300!) and dazzling set pieces. Most spectacular of all is the massive "wedding cake" sequence said to Irving Berlin's "A Pretty Girl is Like a Melody". No applause was added to the soundtrack of this scene. Live audiences, provided plenty and still do!

• musical