Dancing in the Dark (1949)

User Rating:

5.4/10   

Director:

Irving Reis

Writers:

Howard Dietz (play)
Jay Dratler (additional dialogue)

Release Date:

3 April 1950 (Sweden)

Genre:

Comedy | Musical | Romance

Plot:

Conceited actor Emery Slade, on a mission to recruit a Broadway star for Fox, picks unknown Julie Clarke instead.

Plot Keywords:

Actor | Film Executive | Has Been Actor | Actress | Movie Theater

Cast

William Powell	...	Emery Slade
Mark Stevens	...	Bill Davis
Betsy Drake	...	Julie Clarke
Adolphe Menjou	...	Melville Crossman
Randy Stuart	...	Rosalie Brooks
Lloyd Corrigan	...	John Barker
Hope Emerson	...	Mrs. Schlaghammer
Walter Catlett	...	Joe Brooks
Don Beddoe	...	Barney Bassett
Jean Hersholt	...	Jean Hersholt

Runtime:

92 min

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Color:

Color (Technicolor)

Aspect Ratio:

1.37 : 1

Sound Mix:

Mono (Western Electric Recording)

Certification:

Finland:S | Sweden:Btl

Filming Locations:

Behind scenes, 20th Century Fox Studios - 10201 Pico Blvd., Century City, Los Angeles, California, USA

Company:

Twentieth Century-Fox Film Corporation

Trivia:

Adolphe Menjoy's character name, Melville Crossman, was a writing pseudonym used by Twentieth Century-Fox boss Darryl F. Zanuck.

Quotes:

Mrs. Schlaghammer: You! You! Just who do you think you are?
Emery Slade: I know who I am, Mrs. Schlaghammer. What's more, I know who my father was. And that, around here, is a unique distinction.

Movie Connections:

References Prince of Foxes (1949)

Soundtrack:

Hawaiian War Chant (Ta-Hu-Wa-Hu-Wai)

Brigadoom

It must the be the saddest thing in the world to have had it all and suddenly see oneself in circumstances below what one once new. This is the case for Emery Slade, the famous luminary of Hollywood we encounter eking out a life while trying to hold to his dignity. In another medium, the change would perhaps not have been the disgrace it presents this forgotten man, but in the fantasy world of the movies, Emery is a has been and his former nasty self stands in the way as others, more generous people, want to help him come out of poverty.

Irving Reis, presents us a haughty Emery Slade, a man that is easily hated, as he prepares to redeem himself and make amends of his former life. By the kindness of Jean Hersholt, the famous humanitarian of Hollywood, he is connected to the head of the 20th Century Fox studio, who engages him as a talent scout that is sent to New York to audition possible candidates for the female lead of the upcoming "Brigadoon".

Emery is assigned young Bill Davis, who immediately dislikes Slade and his methods. Davis wonders who could have given a job to this man that has no clue as to what has to be done. At the same time, he wants to introduce his former girlfriend, Julie, an aspiring actress and singer, to Slade. Well, he needed not to worry, as Slade meets the young woman on his own and falls under her spell. They both discover how much alike they are. Needless to say, Slade changes for the better in an about face that's hard to believe, but one roots for him and the young Julie.

William Powell plays Emery Slade with bravado. He makes us see why this man is so much hated, until he comes to his senses. Mark Stevens is good as the studio handler. Betsy Drake has good chances as the young Julie Clarke. Adolph Menjou plays the studio head.

While not one of the best William Powell's vehicles, the film is mildly pleasant. It offers tamed fun whenever Mr. Powell is around.