My second Criterion booklet essay to come out in one month. Taking a moment to be proud of this. First came The Great Escape (my essay here), and now my essay for the long-awaited release of Dorothy Arzner’s Dance, Girl, Dance. It was her penultimate film. She was the only female director under contract during the Studio era: her career ranged from the silents until her final film in 1943. She lived many more years, eventually teaching at UCLA, where one of her young students, Francis Ford Coppola, remembered her fondly. Dance, Girl, Dance stars Maureen O’Hara and Lucille Ball – plus Ralph Bellamy and Maria Ouspenskaya!. Here’s Arzner directing the film, chatting with Maureen O’Hara:
This film is well-known among serious cinephiles, particularly those who love pre-Codes, as well as feminist film scholars, and Lucille Ball/Maureen O’Hara fans. But it’s not as well-known to the general public, and so it’s really exciting that more people will be able to see it now, AND it’s an honor to be part of this release.
So! You can purchase the film here, and if you want to learn more about it, I researched my damn tutu off for the essay which is here: Dance, Girl, Dance: Gotta Dance.
Dance Girl Dance and The Great Escape in the same month…Damn, Sheila. Show some range will ya’? I’m planning to purchase both with my next paycheck. Really looking forward to the Azner as I’m one of those who is just now being exposed to her!
Kudos on the Criterion essay. I just posted a comment on their site to say what a glorious review it is. The careful way you work through the plot really pays off in terms of wanting to see the film. And god knows, in these homebound times, finding something you really wanting to see is like finding treasure. Thanks for the map!
Ed – I saw your comment over there. Many many thanks!!
Let me know what you think of the film – it really is so enjoyable and it was an honor to write about it, considering Arzner’s pioneering status! But beyond that: REALLY good acting and interesting subject!