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6.6/10
Senior Film Conservator
A definitive 6.6/10 rating for a film that redefined the boundaries of cult cinema. Broadway Bill remains a cornerstone of transgressive art.
If you like old-school movies where everyone talks really fast and the plot is mostly just people being stubborn, then yes. It’s a great Sunday afternoon watch. But if you need high stakes or modern pacing, skip it. You’ll probably hate how much time they spend just talking about racing forms.
I wasn't sure what to expect from Broadway Bill. It feels like one of those movies that everyone forgets because they’re too busy talking about It Happened One Night. But honestly? It’s got a weird, frantic energy that I kind of loved.
The horse is the best character. Seriously. Broadway Bill has more personality than half the people on screen. There’s a scene where the horse just stands there looking confused while a bunch of men in suits argue, and I felt that in my soul. 🐴
Myrna Loy is doing a lot of heavy lifting here. She has this way of looking at the camera like she’s the only sane person in the room. Which, looking at the rest of the cast, is probably accurate.
The middle of the film drags. Like, really drags. There’s a whole section about racing logistics that I think even the director got bored with. I found myself checking my phone, which is a bad sign, but then the movie suddenly snaps back to life when the race actually starts.
Also, notice the extras in the background of the track scenes. Half of them aren't even looking at the race. They’re just milling about, eating popcorn, looking like they wandered off the set of The Dude Bandit and got lost. It’s hilarious if you watch for it.
It’s not a masterpiece. It’s messy. It’s got that 1930s sentimentality that can feel a bit sticky, but there’s a genuine heart to it that’s hard to ignore. When the horse finally gets to run, you’re rooting for it. Even if you don't know a damn thing about horse racing.
Some of the dialogue is so fast it sounds like they’re trying to finish the movie before the sun goes down. I had to rewind twice just to catch what the guy with the mustache said. No clue if it mattered, but it sounded important.
Quick hits from my notes:
It reminds me a bit of the chaos in Up on the Farm, just with more top hats and less actual dirt. If you’re in the mood for something that isn't trying to change your life but wants to make you smile, give it a shot. Just don't expect to remember the plot by tomorrow morning.
IMDb —
1921
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