Dave Gould: The Choreographer Behind Hollywood's Golden Era

Dave Gould was one of the pioneering forces in the golden era of Hollywood musicals. While names like Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers often dominate the conversation around classic dance films, it was choreographers like Gould who worked behind the scenes to create the magical dance sequences that continue to enchant audiences to this day. His journey from the Broadway stages to the glittering sets of Hollywood left a lasting impact on the world of dance in film.

From Broadway to Hollywood

David Gould was born on July 11, 1899, in Budapest, Hungary. As a young child, his family immigrated to the United States, settling in New York City. It was here that Gould’s passion for dance and the performing arts began to blossom. The vibrant cultural scene of New York, with its theaters, dance halls, and vaudeville shows, provided the perfect backdrop for Gould to nurture his talents.

Gould’s early career was rooted in the Broadway stage, where he honed his skills as a dancer and choreographer. His work on Broadway was characterized by its innovation and flair, qualities that would later define his Hollywood career. His ability to blend different dance styles and create visually stunning routines quickly set him apart in the competitive world of theater.

The transition from Broadway to Hollywood was a natural progression for Gould. The burgeoning film industry in the 1920s and 1930s was in search of new talent to bring the magic of live theater to the silver screen. Gould’s reputation as a talented choreographer with a knack for creating dynamic dance numbers made him a sought-after figure in Hollywood.

Breakthrough in Flying Down to Rio

Gould’s major breakthrough came with the 1933 film Flying Down to Rio, produced by RKO Radio Pictures. This film is perhaps best known for introducing the world to the legendary dance duo of Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers, but Gould’s choreography was a significant factor in its success. His innovative approach to dance and his ability to create visually captivating routines made Flying Down to Rio a standout film.

“The Carioca” dance sequence in the film was a particular highlight. This number, featuring Astaire and Rogers, showcased Gould’s talent for creating complex and engaging choreography. The routine, which involved the dancers touching foreheads while performing intricate steps, was both novel and captivating. It set a new standard for dance sequences in film and established Gould as a leading choreographer in Hollywood.

Academy Award-Winning Choreography

Gould’s work in the 1930s and 1940s earned him significant recognition, including two Academy Awards for Best Dance Direction. The first came for his work on the 1936 film Folies Bergère de Paris. Gould’s ability to create routines that were both technically challenging and visually stunning earned him the coveted Oscar.

His second Academy Award came for the 1935 film Broadway Melody of 1936. This film, a musical revue, featured a series of spectacular dance numbers choreographed by Gould. His work on this film showcased his versatility and his ability to create routines that were both innovative and entertaining.

Innovation and Style

One of the hallmarks of Gould’s choreography was his ability to blend different dance styles. He was equally comfortable working with tap, jazz, ballroom, and ballet, and he often incorporated elements of these styles into his routines. This versatility allowed him to create routines that were fresh and innovative, and it kept audiences engaged and entertained.

Gould was also known for his creative use of props and sets in his choreography. Whether it was the airplane wings in Flying Down to Rio or the elaborate staircases in The Gay Divorcee, Gould’s routines often featured imaginative use of the environment. This added an extra layer of visual interest to his routines and made them stand out from those of his contemporaries.

Fred Astaire once said, “The only dancer who could ever hold a candle to Bill Robinson was Dave Gould.” This high praise from one of the greatest dancers of all time speaks volumes about Gould’s talent. His routines were characterized by their precision and attention to detail. Every step, every movement was meticulously planned and executed, resulting in performances that were nothing short of perfection.

Soundies and the Mills Panoram

Gould spent the rest of the 1930s and 1940s as a choreographer and dance director in Hollywood, but most of his credits were as a director of short films called soundies. Soundies were three minute musical films that were played on a video jukebox called a Mills Panoram. They are considered to be the ancestor to music videos. For a dime, patrons of a bar or a diner could watch performers looking to get their big break in a film that was synced to the musical recording. Gould directed over 40 of these soundies with musical artists of the day like Merle Travis and Harry Owens and His Royal Hawaiians.

Legacy of Gold

Outside of his Broadway and Hollywood career in the 1930s and 1940s, Gould led a quiet life with his wife Mitzi Haynes in Los Angeles until he passed away on June 3, 1969, but his legacy lives on through his work and the countless dancers and choreographers he inspired.

Dave Gould was a pioneer in the world of Hollywood choreography, whose innovative routines and creative use of props and sets set a new standard for dance in film. His work with legends like Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers created some of the most memorable dance sequences in film history, and his influence continues to be felt today. From his early days on Broadway to his Academy Award-winning work in Hollywood, Gould’s career was marked by a commitment to excellence and a passion for dance. His legacy is a testament to the power of creativity and the enduring appeal of dance in film.