What Are Hollywood Musicals?
Hollywood musicals are movies that feature songs, dancing, and varied musical genres, set in a variety of locations, ranging from the soundstage to the open road These films typically have large production values and involve multiple actors and actresses, often in multiple roles. Musicals are intended to evoke emotion and entertain, usually featuring musical numbers built around catchy lyrics and popular melodies. While musicals have been around for decades, Hollywood musicals came about in the early 1930s. Many of these films featured popular stars and top-notch production values, as well as memorable scores and original songs.
Five Best Examples of Hollywood Musicals
1. The Wizard of Oz (1939): This classic, based on L. Frank Baum’s book of the same name, is one of the most beloved Hollywood musicals of all time. It features a memorable cast of characters, led by Judy Garland as Dorothy, and includes classic songs like “Somewhere Over the Rainbow” and “Follow the Yellow Brick Road.”
2. Singin’ in the Rain (1952): This MGM classic stars Gene Kelly as Don Lockwood, a silent film star trying to transition to the “talkies.” It is filled with memorable musical numbers, including title song “Singin’ in the Rain.”
3. West Side Story (1961): This musical, based on Romeo and Juliet, is set in the Upper West Side of Manhattan and features classic music by Leonard Bernstein and Stephen Sondheim. It stars Natalie Wood, Richard Beymer and Rita Moreno, and the memorable songs include “Tonight” and “America.”
4. Grease (1978): Directed by Randal Kleiser, this musical is set in the 1950s and stars John Travolta and Olivia Newton-John singing and dancing their way through a nostalgic look at teen life. It features many classic songs, including “Greased Lightin’” and “Summer Nights.”
5. Chicago (2002): This adaptation of the Broadway musical of the same name stars Renee Zellweger, Catherine Zeta-Jones, Queen Latifah and Richard Gere. It features a variety of classic songs including “All That Jazz” and “Cell Block Tango.”
Overall, Hollywood musicals have been entertaining audiences for decades, from some of the earliest examples in the 1930s to current films. These films feature some of the biggest stars in film and music, as well as memorable songs and captivating stories.