History
The Star-Studded Cast of The Great Ziegfeld (1936)
![The Star-Studded Cast of The Great Ziegfeld (1936) 59 Cast of The Great Ziegfeld (1936)](https://movrq.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Cast-of-The-Great-Ziegfeld-1936.webp)
Introduction
The Great Ziegfeld was a spectacular 1936 musical film celebrating the career of Broadway’s greatest showman, Florenz Ziegfeld Jr. This lavish production by MGM studios featured an incredible all-star cast portraying both real-life personalities and fictional characters from Ziegfeld’s world. With its mix of Hollywood stars, Broadway legends, and Ziegfeld performers, the cast made The Great Ziegfeld a glamorous tribute to the man who created the legendary Ziegfeld Follies revues.
Introduction
The Great Ziegfeld was a spectacular 1936 musical film celebrating the career of Broadway’s greatest showman, Florenz Ziegfeld Jr. This lavish production by MGM studios featured an incredible all-star cast portraying both real-life personalities and fictional characters from Ziegfeld’s world. With its mix of Hollywood stars, Broadway legends, and Ziegfeld performers, the cast made The Great Ziegfeld a glamorous tribute to the man who created the legendary Ziegfeld Follies revues.
Main Cast
William Powell as Florenz Ziegfeld Jr.
The dashing William Powell portrayed the masterful Ziegfeld, capturing his charm, vision, and obsessive pursuit of perfection. Powell’s performance depicted both Ziegfeld’s genius as a producer and his troubled personal life.
![The Star-Studded Cast of The Great Ziegfeld (1936) 60 William Powell as Florenz Ziegfeld Jr.](https://movrq.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/William-Powell-as-Florenz-Ziegfeld-Jr.webp)
Myrna Loy as Billie Burke
Myrna Loy lent her elegance and grace to the role of Billie Burke, the actress who became Ziegfeld’s second wife. Their romance is a major part of the film’s storyline.
![The Star-Studded Cast of The Great Ziegfeld (1936) 61 Myrna Loy as Billie Burke](https://movrq.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Myrna-Loy-as-Billie-Burke.webp)
Luise Rainer as Anna Held
Anna Held was Ziegfeld’s first wife, whose beauty and talent made her his original star and muse. Luise Rainer embodied Held’s vivacious personality and showmanship that captivated Ziegfeld.
![The Star-Studded Cast of The Great Ziegfeld (1936) 62 Luise Rainer as Anna Held](https://movrq.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Luise-Rainer-as-Anna-Held.webp)
Frank Morgan as Billings
Veteran character actor Frank Morgan played Billings, Ziegfeld’s loyal right-hand man and business partner.
![The Star-Studded Cast of The Great Ziegfeld (1936) 63 Frank Morgan as Billings](https://movrq.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Frank-Morgan-as-Billings.webp)
Fanny Brice as Herself
The real Fanny Brice sparkled as herself, portraying the famed comedienne who got her start in the Follies.
![The Star-Studded Cast of The Great Ziegfeld (1936) 64 Fanny Brice as Herself](https://movrq.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Fanny-Brice-as-Herself.webp)
Supporting Cast
Virginia Bruce as Audrey Dane
Virginia Bruce played the fictional Audrey Dane, an ambitious chorus girl who has a turbulent affair with Ziegfeld.
Reginald Owen as Sampston
As Sampston, Ziegfeld’s friend turned foe, Reginald Owen served as an antagonist to Ziegfeld’s ambitions.
Ray Bolger as Himself
Ray Bolger danced up a storm portraying his own Broadway career boosted by the Follies.
Ernest Cossart as Sidney
Ernest Cossart gave a memorable turn as Sidney, the eccentric Follies producer who discovers Audrey.
Nat Pendleton as Sandow
Brawny Nat Pendleton was perfect as Eugene Sandow, the bodybuilder who was one of Ziegfeld’s top attractions.
Harriet Hoctor as Herself
Ballet star Harriet Hoctor dazzled in scenes portraying herself in Ziegfeld’s most spectacular revues.
Paul Irving as Erlanger
Paul Irving brought sly charm to his scenes as producer Abe Erlanger, who locked horns with Ziegfeld over Follies performers.
Cameo Appearances
In addition to the principal cast, The Great Ziegfeld was packed with cameo appearances by performers playing themselves or other Broadway figures:
- Herman Bing as the Costumer designing the elaborate Follies costumes
- Charles Judels as Pierre, a jealous Follies producer
- Raymond Walburn as Will Rogers
- Buddy Doyle as Eddie Cantor
- Many uncredited Ziegfeld performers and Broadway stars recreating numbers from the Follies
Significance of the Cast
The cast made The Great Ziegfeld more than just a biopic about one man’s life. It celebrated an entire era of show business by bringing together Hollywood stars, Broadway legends, and former Follies performers. The mix of fictional characters and real people illustrates Ziegfeld’s connections to all the top talents of his day. The lavish musical numbers showcasing songs from Ziegfeld’s shows were only possible with these incredible performers recreating the Follies’ magic.
FAQ
Who played Ziegfeld in the film?
William Powell portrayed the central role of Florenz Ziegfeld Jr., the legendary Broadway producer who created the Ziegfeld Follies revues.
Which real-life Broadway stars appeared as themselves?
Fanny Brice and Ray Bolger had stand-out roles in the film, essentially playing themselves as performers whose careers were helped by Ziegfeld.
Did any Ziegfeld Follies performers appear in the movie?
Yes, several former Ziegfeld performers like ballet star Harriet Hoctor were cast to recreate their Follies acts. Many more uncredited chorus girls and dancers appeared as Ziegfeld Girls.
Were there any fictional characters created for the film?
Yes, Virginia Bruce played the fictional Audrey Dane, an ambitious Follies girl who has an affair with Ziegfeld. This romantic subplot added drama to the story.
How did the cast help celebrate Ziegfeld’s legacy?
By combining real Broadway personalities with Hollywood stars, the cast captured Ziegfeld’s showmanship and relationships with famous entertainers of the era. Their lavish musical numbers saluted his most spectacular revues.
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