Lucille Ball Stole the Show in a ’40s Cult Classic Before ‘I Love Lucy’

By Jacob Slankard

Published 2 hours ago

Dorothy Arzner's cult classic about two competing dancers showcases all of Lucille Ball's many talents.

Image via RKO Radio Pictures

The Big Picture

Lucille Ball's career took off on television with I Love Lucy after years of trying to find success in movies.
In the film Dance, Girl, Dance, Ball plays an antagonistic character who sabotages the protagonist's opportunities, showcasing her acting range.
The collaboration between Lucille Ball and director Dorothy Arzner allowed Ball to fully utilize her talents and create a complex character that combined comedy and realism.