Lloyd Keating & His Music (pseudonym of either Jack Albin's or Ben Selvin's Orchestra) - Low-Down Rhythm, from MGM's "Hollywood Revue of 1929" (Words by Raymond Klages ; Music by Jesse Greer) Columbia, 1929

NOTE: "Hollywood Revue of 1929" - premiere August 14, 1929, directed by Charles Reisner MGM's colour production with Conrad Nagel, Jack Benny, John Gilbert, Norma Shearer, Joan Crawford, Bessie Love, William Haines, Buster Keaton, Anita Page, Marie Dressler, Marion Davies, Cliff Edwards, Charles King, Gus Edwards, Lionel Barrymore, Brox Sisters and many other megastars of the time. In the breakaway from silents to talkies, this was the perfect opportunity for MGM to show their stars. In a singing, dancing and acting extravaganza , this film features every major MGM star of the day with the exception of Greta Garbo, Ramon Novarro and Lon Chaney. This was the first filmed performance of the song "Singin' in the Rain". During the "Singing in the Rain" sequence, torrents of studio-made rain were poured on to the performers while they actually recorded the song. Joan sings also another great hit "Gotta Feelin' For You", assisted by the Biltmore Quartet and pianist Dave Snell. Her energetic dance number showcases her talent as a flapper. It took Crawford three days to film her segments. Joan's tap dancing number was the first recorded audible tap dance on the screen. "Low-Down Rhythm" was another great musical hit of this movie, which was sung and danced by June Purcell. Following "Hollywood Revue" Purcell would appear in only one additional film, the Warner Bros. all-Technicolor musical "Viennese Nights" in 1931, billed in a small role as a stage vocalist. (In 1932 she signes a contract with NBC as the broadcast entertainer and disappeara from the movie screen).

The progression of sound ended the careers of many silent screen stars. Most notably, John Gilbert, best known for his work opposite Garbo. In "Hollywood Revue" he plays the balcony scene from "Romeo and Juliet" with Norma Shearer, first straight, then for laughs with contemporary slang. The story of his high tenor speaking voice, destroying the reputation he had as a silent heartthrob has become the most known version of his downfall. In truth, the poor quality recording equipment used, was the real reason why his voice sounded higher than his natural tone. There has also been talk of sabotage on the studio's behalf. Whatever the reason, Hollywood Revue of 1929 was the beginning of the end of John Gilbert's career.

The film was shot in 25 days, at a cost of $426,000. It made a profit of $1,135,000. The worldwide gross was $2,421,000.

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