The Ice Follies of 1939

Synopsis

The Ice Follies of 1939 follows the story of a talented ice skater named Mary McKay, played by Joan Crawford, who dreams of stardom in the world of ice-skating. She partners with Eddie Burgess, played by James Stewart, to form a successful ice-dancing duo and enter the glamorous world of ice shows. As their popularity grows, they face challenges and personal struggles that test their partnership and dedication to their craft. Set against the backdrop of dazzling musical performances and intricate ice-skating routines, the film captures the magic and allure of showbiz in the 1930s, blending drama, romance, and spectacle in a captivating way.

Cast

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  Joan Crawford

  Mary McKay

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  James Stewart

  Larry Hall

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  Lew Ayres

  Eddie Burgess

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  Lewis Stone

  Douglas Tolliver Jr.

• Bess Ehrhardt

  Kitty Sherman

• Roy Shipstad

  Roy Shipstad, Ice Follies Skater

Reviews

The Ice Follies of 1939 received mixed reviews upon its release. While some critics praised the film for its elaborate ice-skating sequences and the on-screen chemistry between Joan Crawford and James Stewart, others found the plot to be predictable and the pacing uneven. The New York Times described it as 'a delightful spectacle filled with dazzling ice routines' but noted that the storyline lacked depth. On the other hand, Variety criticized the film for being 'overly formulaic' and lacking originality in its narrative. Despite the film's shortcomings, Joan Crawford's performance was widely applauded for her grace and charisma on the ice. IMDb rating: 5.2/10.