· Dames · by Berkeley & Enright @ Mary Riley Styles Library

Busby Berkeley’s movies tend to all have the same general plot: someone’s trying to mount a show, usually on Broadway, but something happens that puts the project in jeopardy. In this feature a multimillionaire who thinks that stage shows are “filthy” entertainment organizes a boycott. This obstacle will be overcome, of course, because without a show there can’t be the elaborately choreographed fantasy sequence for which Berkeley is so famous. Love both real and feigned wends its way through the action, with a happy ending inevitable for all.

■ Title — Dames
■ Director — Busby Berkeley, Ray Enright
■ Cast — Joan Blondell, Dick Powell, Ruby Keeler
■ Rating — Approved (suitable for general audiences)
■ ©1934 | 1h 31m | Comedy, Music, Musical, Romance