The Star-Studded Cast of The Great Ziegfeld (1936)

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.

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.

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.

Frank Morgan as Billings

Veteran character actor Frank Morgan played Billings, Ziegfeld’s loyal right-hand man and business partner.

Fanny Brice as Herself

The real Fanny Brice sparkled as herself, portraying the famed comedienne who got her start in the Follies.

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.

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