Buzz

Characterized by grandiose song-and-dance numbers featuring ornate geometric patterns and mimicked in many modern films, Busby Berkeley's (1895–1976) unique artistry is as recognizable and striking as ever. From his years on Broadway to the director's chair, Berkeley was notable for his inventiveness and signature style. Through sensational films like 42nd Street (1933), Gold Diggers of 1933 (1933), Footlight Parade (1933), and Dames (1934), Berkeley sought to distract audiences from the troubles of the Great Depression. Although his bold technique is familiar to millions of moviegoers, Berkeley's life remains a mystery. Buzz: The Life and Art of Busby Berkeley is a telling portrait of the filmmaker who revolutionized the musical and changed the world of choreography. Employing personal letters, interviews, studio memoranda, and Berkeley's private memoirs, Jeffrey Spivak unveils the colorful life of one of cinema's greatest artists.