In this well-written and interesting account of Busby Berkeley, we learn that the man responsible for so many knock-out and eye-popping production numbers in vintage musicals was not a choreographer in the classic sense, but came up with often startling ideas to incorporate into -- or overpower -- the song and dance routines. Berkeley also directed numerous films, including Forty Little Mothers and Babes on Broadway.
Whatever the man's sexual orientation, Berkeley avoided MPs in the red light district by dressing in drag; his first wife considered him a mama's boy and most of his marriages did not last long; and early in his career he eagerly took the role of a campy queen in a Broadway show. Who knows?
His personal life had other problems, including a propensity for drink. After three trials Busby was acquitted of vehicular manslaughter in the deaths of three people. His defense team argued that regardless of his inebriation at the wheel, a tire blow-out caused the accident. (But a sober driver might have been able to handle the car after the blow out.) While some of the people who worked with Busby had positive things to say about him, others considered him a rather vile and unpleasant individual.
Frankly Buzz will not have you admiring the man but it does help you to admire his artistry, which is well-documented in this informative and engaging tome.
Verdict: Solid bio of a influential and creative Hollywood figure. ***1/2.
2 comments:
I need to read this! Though there are the two sides..the genius who envisioned and executed those unbelievable iconic musical fever dreams that transcend mere “numbers” , and the merciless taskmaster that left Garland and Rooney nervous wrecks and in tears. Judy was terrified of the man that she was forced to call Uncle Buzz and had a nervous breakdown during their last collaboration together, the abandoned Annie Get Your Gun ( recast with Betty Hutton and a new director, I think it was George Sidney.) But the talent and genius are undeniable…
- C
Yes, you are absolutely right. I think he was a perfectionist and drove people to do their utmost, even when they were screaming out for a rest. He didn't have to do all those steps over and over again but he did risk his life going high, high up with the camera and nearly falling off more than once. He was fired from "Annie Get Your Gun" and then Garland was well. If you're a Berkeley fan you'll enjoy this book!
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