Member-only story

Hollywood Musicals: A Journey Through Song and Dance

Joshua Reed

·3.5k Followers· Follow

Published in Hollywood Musicals (Routledge Film Guidebooks)

5 min read

937 View Claps

60 Respond

Save

Listen

Hollywood musicals have been a beloved form of entertainment for nearly a century, capturing the hearts and imaginations of audiences worldwide. From the golden age of musicals in the 1930s and 1940s to the modern era of Broadway-style adaptations, Hollywood musicals have evolved and adapted to reflect the changing tastes and styles of each generation. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore the fascinating history of Hollywood musicals, from their humble beginnings to their enduring legacy in the entertainment industry.

The Golden Age of Musicals

The golden age of Hollywood musicals is generally considered to have begun with the release of The Broadway Melody in 1929. This film was a huge commercial success and helped to popularize the musical genre. Other popular musicals from this era include Singin' in the Rain (1952),An American in Paris (1951),and West Side Story (1961). These films were characterized by their lavish production values, catchy songs, and memorable dance routines. The golden age of musicals came to an end in the late 1960s, as the popularity of rock and roll music began to decline. However, musicals have continued to be produced in Hollywood, albeit on a smaller scale.

Hollywood Musicals (Routledge Film Guidebooks)

by Jim Brickman

5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	19588 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	227 pages

The Evolution of Hollywood Musicals

Hollywood musicals have evolved over the years to reflect the changing tastes and styles of each generation. In the 1970s, musicals began to incorporate more elements of rock and pop music. This trend continued in the 1980s and 1990s, with the release of such films as Grease (1978),Footloose (1984),and The Phantom of the Opera (1986). In recent years, musicals have become more diverse, with the release of such films as La La Land (2016),The Greatest Showman (2017),and Hamilton (2020). These films have shown that musicals can still be a popular and successful genre in the 21st century.

The Impact of Hollywood Musicals

Hollywood musicals have had a profound impact on the entertainment industry and on popular culture. They have helped to launch the careers of some of the most iconic stars in Hollywood, including Judy Garland, Gene Kelly, and Fred Astaire. Musicals have also been a source of inspiration for other forms of entertainment, such as television, theater, and music. The songs from Hollywood musicals have become classics, and they continue to be enjoyed by audiences of all ages.

Hollywood musicals are a unique and beloved form of entertainment that have been enjoyed by audiences for nearly a century. They have evolved and adapted to reflect the changing tastes and styles of each generation, and they continue to be a popular and successful genre in the 21st century. Hollywood musicals are a testament to the power of song and dance to entertain, inspire, and bring people together.

References

Bordman, Gerald. American Musical Theatre: A Chronicle. Oxford University Press, 1995.
Green, Stanley. Hollywood Musicals Year by Year. Hal Leonard Corporation, 1999.
Hischak, Thomas S. The Oxford Companion to the American Musical: Theatre, Film, and Television. Oxford University Press, 2008.