DIRECTOR: Dorothy Arzner
PRODUCERS: Erich Pommer
PRODUCTION CO: RKO Radio
SCREENPLAY: Tess Slesinger, Frank Davis. Based on a story by Vicki Baum
PHOTOGRAPHY: Russell Metty
EDITOR: Robert Wise:
MUSIC: Edward Ward
WITH: Maureen O’Hara (Judy O’Brien), Lucille Ball (Bubbles), Louis Hayward (Jimmy Harris), Virginia Field (Elinor Harris), Ralph Bellamy (Steve Harris), Maria Ouspenskaya (Madame Lydia Basilova), Mary Carlisle (Sally), Katharine Alexander (Miss Olmstead), Edward Brophy (Dwarfie Humblewinger), Walter Abel (judge)

REVIEWS

“Dorothy Arzner, the sole woman to work as a director in the Hollywood studio system of the 1930s and early ’40s, brings a subversive feminist sensibility to this juicily entertaining backstage melodrama. A behind-the-footlights look at friendship, jealousy, and ambition in the ruthless world of show business, Dance, Girl, Dance follows the intertwining fates of two chorus girls: a starry-eyed dancer (Maureen O’Hara) who dreams of making it as a ballerina, and the brassy gold digger (a scene-stealing Lucille Ball) who becomes her rival both on the stage and in love. The rare Hollywood picture of the era to deal seriously with issues of female artistic struggle and self-actualization, Arzner’s film is a rich, fascinating statement from an auteur decades ahead of her time.”

– Criterion.com

“This is a feminist cult classic not only because of Arzner’s incisive direction but also for the famous, male-gaze defying scene where O’Hara speaks back to an all-male audience. The film features supple, gritty camerawork by Russell Metty and a support cast including Louis Hayward, Ralph Bellamy, and the indomitable Maria Ouspenskaya.”

– Melbourne Cinematheque

FILM SOCIETY SCREENINGS

Wellington  
Monday, 19 September, 6:15pm
CLASSIC & CULT CINEMA selection >>