Busby Berkeley
(1895-1976) was one of the
most imaginative and innovative
choreographers and directors
in motion picture history.
Busby is most noted for extravagant
musical production numbers
featuring dozens of female
dancers forming geometric
patterns. Many motion picture
cinematography techniques
were pioneered by Busby,
such as ceiling shots and
moveable camera positions,
especially using cranes.
Per Martin
Rubin in Showstoppers,
the characteristics of Busby
Berkeley motion pictures
include:
- Large number of chorus
girls in geometrical formations
- Overhead shots that form
kaleidoscopic patterns
- An impression of extravagance
and excess in setting and
camera work
- Extended and spectacular
crane shots
- Stylized uses of the
female body in abstract
and object-like ways
- Elements of fetishistic
eroticism
- Use of giant multiple
bizarre props
Busby Berkeley was also
responsible for several memorable long
take sequences.
Visit Busby
Berkeley's film list at
imdb.
Visit the Classic
Movie Favorites Busby Berkeley
site.
Motion pictures which
contain choreography by Busby
Berkeley.
- Gold Diggers of 1933
(1933)
- The Kid from Spain (1932)
- Roman Scandals (1933)
- 42nd Street (1933)
- Footlight Parade (1933)
- Dames (1934)
- Fashions of 1934 (1934)
- Gold Diggers of 1935
(1935)
- Gold Diggers of 1937
(1936)
- Broadway Serenade (1939)
- Hollywood Hotel (1937)
- Ziegfeld Girl (1941)
- Lady Be Good (1941)
- Two Tickets to Broadway
(1951)
- Million Dollar Mermaid
(1952)
- Small Town Girl (1953)
|