This early example of the "backstage" musical genre tells the story of Kitty Darling, a fading burlesque star who tries to save her convent-educated daughter April from following in mom's footsteps.
Direction
Mamoulian invented the modern movie musical here.
Cinematography
Expressionist shadows in a sound film—unheard of.
Acting
Helen Morgan's breakdown will wreck you.
Director
Rouben Mamoulian
Trivia, insights & behind the scenes
Mamoulian had actors sing live on set with hidden microphones—revolutionary for 1929, when most musicals were static and stagey.
Helen Morgan was literally dying of alcoholism during filming; her fragility isn't acting. She was dead within a decade.
US
