A History of the Movie Musical

About this event

As soon as movies learned to talk, they also learned to sing and dance-and the movie musical quickly became one of America's most popular and beloved film genres. Over the next 90-plus years, musicals embraced an extraordinary range of styles and sounds, from operetta to rock and from tap and ballroom to ballet. Drawing on Broadway hits and original screen creations by legendary composers such as Cole Porter, George Gershwin, and Irving Berlin, the genre continually reinvented itself while entertaining generations of audiences. Media historian Brian Rose guides you through the rich history of the movie musical, illustrated with extended clips from dozens of classic films. From 42nd Street and Swing Time to Meet Me in St. Louis, Oklahoma!, West Side Story, Cabaret, and Chicago, the four-part series celebrates the songs, stars, and stories that made movie musicals an enduring part of American culture. Session Information The Golden Age (1945-1955) Rose examines the evolution of the Hollywood movie musical from the 1940s into the 1950s, focusing on the MGM movie musical unit headed by Arthur Freed. He traces key innovations in performance, choreography, and filmmaking through classics such as On the Town, An American in Paris, and Singin' in the Rain. He also discusses the changing relationship between Broadway and Hollywood, including the impact of Rodgers and Hammerstein's more integrated musicals, and how the movie musical reached its artistic peak. Additional Sessions of A History of the Movie Musical Series October 29: The Birth of the Movie Musical (1927-1945) November 12: The Blockbuster Era (1955-1970) November 19: The Modern Era (1970-today) General Information View Common FAQs and Policies about our Online