This enchanting film traces the colorful life of early twentieth century showman Florenz Ziegfeld from carnival side-show barker to producer of the immortal Ziegfeld Follies, the most glamorous and elaborate stage show ever mounted. The Follies featured "the world's prettiest chorus girls" and the country's top vaudeville acts, including comedienne Fanny Brice and hoofer Ray Bolger (who both appear in the film).

This top MGM musical recreates the glory days of musical theatre, before movies overtook Broadway as our primary form of entertainment. The charming William Powell reflects ideal casting for Ziegfeld, and frequent co-star Myrna Loy is also on hand playing Ziegfeld's second wife Billie Burke. Winner of that year's Best Picture Oscar, Luise Rainer also won a statuette for her portrayal of "Ziggy's" first wife Anna Held (her culminating phone scene is justly famous). Long but dazzling, "Ziegfeld" combines backstage drama with on-stage spectacle — in particular, don't miss that immortal "Pretty Girl" musical number.