Thursday Movie Picks-Numbers in the Title

Wandering through the Shelves has chosen a unique theme this week where the actual number has to be in the title. I wanted to choose only one number but I only saw 2 films with that number in the title but I stayed in the same ..um...area. Criminy, I can’t find the right words today...anyway here are my 3.

1. 42ND STREET-1933

This film came out before “The Code” came into strong effect so you see the backstage antics that often occur in a theatre production of a musical like the casting couch. Hey, Ginger Rogers plays “Anytime Annie” which means, we’ll, you know. This is THE backstage story of a troubled musical coming to Broadway while the Great Depression is raging on. The star of the show, played by Bebe Daniels, is spoiled  and in love with a once famous actor. The director of this musical, played by Warner Baxter, is very demanding, to say the least, and grills his actors which includes Rogers, Una Merkel and Ruby Keeler. When the star breaks her ankle, the show must go on and the. Director chooses Ruby Keeler to be the star of the show. The young, naive gal decides to take on the role. This was a huge hit and made Ruby Keeler a star and created a big team with her and Dick Powell in many early musicals. This is also the musical that introduced Busby Berkeley and his unique overhead shots of  women and men who create flowers and other kaleidoscope images in many musicals. These images are still parodied today.

2. 48 HOURS-1982

I haven't seen this film in years and would love to see it again. Nick Nolte(before he looked like roadkill) plays a cop who's 2 cop friends are gunned down by a very, very bad man. Nick must get help from the evil guy's former partner who is in jail, played by Eddie Murphy (who is hilarious). Together, they start looking for this man and have only 48 hours to catch him. There are many funny scenes with Murphy and, surprisingly, Murphy and Nolte make a great team. This is a fun film to watch especially during this time.

3. 42-2013

I was not sure I would like this film because you never know about biopics but this is an excellent movie about the great Jackie Robinson who had to overcome a lot of racism that was prevalent in Baseball and the States at that time(and the States still has issues). The lead is played brilliantly by Chadwick Boseman who showed frustration but also dignity and respect which is what Robinson is all about. Harrison Ford is the one who finds this gem of a man and helps him through to become one of the best ball players regardless of his colour. A must see.

What 3 would you choose?