Posts Tagged ‘Baby Face’

If you could suggest a remake what would it be?

I saw this article on MTV’s website. It really bothered me because I could not stop thinking of great Pre-Code films that could be remade. I mean, could you remake “Baby Face” now? I don’t think it would fly, but I would love to see someone try and pull it off.

Here’s a section from the article:

‘Footloose’ Remake Not Happening, So We Suggest Other Movie Musicals To Take Its Place

Same generation, different dance movie. Sure it’s not a musical per se, but the story of a woman down on her luck and struggling to make a living would be especially potent in today’s harsh economic climate. And wouldn’t it be great to give Jenna Dewan a chance to dance on screen again in Jennifer Beals’ classic role?

Broadway Bad is something I think would make a nice spicy remake. Encapsulates the whole Britney, Lindsey ,Paris and Heidi careers. Careers made on publicity rather than ability. I love this line from the film “Broadway Bad”:
Man #1 “Can she sing?”
Man #2 “Who cares?”
Here’s a description:
Broadway Bad

“BROADWAY BAD” (1933)

This 1933 showbiz drama stars Joan Blondell as a wisecracking but goodhearted chorus girl whose husband (Ricardo Cortez) is an abusive lout. Blondell’s plight makes the headlines, which results in an upswing in her career. Rather than wallow in self-pity, she trades on the publicity to become a star, while hubby mutters dark promises of revenge. This film was based on the real-life relationship between Broadway star Hal Skelly and a promiscuous young actress who assumed several professional names.

“Starts off with a pre-Code bang, with a long sequence of lingerie, legs and lechery, and much snappy dialogue.”
- William K. Everson

Why I Love "Baby Face"

Baby Face stars Barbara Stanwyck as an ambitious, clear minded, leader who is delt a bit of cumbersome circumstances. We find her working as a hostess in her own home for her father’s makeshift speak easy. It is heavily implied that her father prostitutes her out and that there is some incest going on. At no point in the opening sequence is she a passive victim waiting to be saved or redeemed.

We find her instead gravitating toward the intellectual customer of her fathers and being given sound advice. She takes the information and capitalizes on it. There is no waiting for someone to put her in a livable situation, instead we find someone who is constantly scanning all possibilities until she finds one that she can take action on.

The score by Leo Forbstien is playful and smart.

My favorite theme is the corporate ladder climbing motif that is accompanied by the visual of the outside of the New York skyscraper where Baby Face is working. The motif is usually begins as Baby Face is securing another upward promotion. She smiles at a handsome successful man, the door closes behind them, the theme starts, we see the outside window of the department she is currently in, and when we ascend to the next level of the building or department, she appears in a better outfit and a better job.

What I like about these images of sexual power is not the use of sex to obtain power, but rather the dramatization of how a woman understands her given circumstances and is not conflicted by false morality imposed by those in control. She needs work, she is smart, she is capable
and ambitious. She is detached from sex emotionally at this point in the movie, so she has no
need for it other that to serve her practically.

Baby Face is a person who we are not supposed to like, but like her anyway. She is an anti hero which is such a fantastic and rare character for women to be portrayed as. She’s tough, funny, smart, sexy and in front of every situation.