The Ice Follies of 1939 (1939) in Color — Starring Joan Crawford & James Stewart

The Ice Follies of 1939 (1939) — Buy This Classic in Color

Experience the sparkling spectacle of The Ice Follies of 1939 (1939) colorized in stunning HD quality. Directed by Reinhold Schünzel, this MGM musical extravaganza pairs Joan Crawford with James Stewart in a dazzling blend of romantic drama and championship ice skating. Now available as an instant, DRM-free digital download for only €15.00.

Plot Summary

Ambitious ice skater Mary McKay (Joan Crawford) and her devoted husband Larry Hall (James Stewart) perform together in the popular Shipstad and Johnson Ice Follies touring show. Their partnership both on and off the ice seems unbreakable — Larry choreographs the routines, Mary dazzles the crowds, and their friend Eddie Burgess (Lew Ayres) keeps the troupe running smoothly. When a Hollywood talent scout spots Mary during a performance and offers her a lucrative movie contract, she faces an agonizing choice between loyalty and ambition.

Mary leaves the ice troupe behind to pursue stardom in California, and the couple’s marriage soon buckles under the strain of separation and clashing ambitions. In Hollywood, Mary discovers that movie stardom brings loneliness, manipulation, and creative compromise rather than the artistic fulfillment she imagined. Studio executives reshape her image and control her every move. Meanwhile Larry struggles to keep the ice show financially afloat without its star attraction, touring through Depression-era towns with dwindling audiences.

Jealousy, misunderstandings, and Hollywood politics threaten to destroy everything the couple built together. Eddie tries to mediate between his two friends, but the gulf between Hollywood glamour and the hardscrabble world of touring ice shows seems impossible to bridge. The film builds toward a spectacular grand finale on the ice, filmed partially in Technicolor, where love and artistry combine to deliver a triumphant resolution. Real Shipstad and Johnson performers execute breathtaking ice ballet sequences that showcase the athletic artistry of championship skating at its finest, proving that the most dazzling spectacle of all comes from genuine talent and devotion.

Cast & Crew

Director: Reinhold Schünzel
Stars: Joan Crawford delivers a commanding performance as Mary McKay, the talented skater torn between love and ambition, bringing genuine depth to a role that could have been merely glamorous. James Stewart brings warmth, sincerity, and his trademark vulnerability as Larry Hall, her steadfast husband who refuses to give up on their partnership. Lew Ayres rounds out the central trio as the loyal Eddie Burgess, while real-life ice skating champions Roy Shipstad, Eddie Shipstad, and Oscar Johnson perform their signature championship routines in the film’s spectacular finale.

Why Buy This Classic in Color?

This professionally colorized edition transforms the film’s lavish ice skating sequences into a visual feast. Era-accurate hues illuminate the shimmering ice rinks, Joan Crawford’s glamorous costumes, and the breathtaking Technicolor finale that was already partially shot in color. The restoration highlights every graceful spin and daring leap, making the championship routines feel more spectacular than ever. Now also available in colour.

Buy now for an instant, secure digital download with no DRM restrictions. Compatible with all devices that play MP4 files.

Historical Significance

Released in 1939 by MGM, The Ice Follies of 1939 captures a unique moment in entertainment history when real ice skating troupes were national sensations drawing millions of fans. The film promoted the real Shipstad and Johnson Ice Follies, which inspired the Ice Capades and Holiday on Ice touring shows. It pairs two future Academy Award winners — Crawford and Stewart — at the height of Hollywood’s golden age, with Stewart filming this just months before his legendary turn in Mr. Smith Goes to Washington. Through colorization, this charming time capsule of pre-war entertainment spectacle is preserved for modern audiences.

Technical Details

• Format: MP4
• Resolution: HD 720p
• Colorized: Yes — professionally restored frame-by-frame
• Audio: Original English mono soundtrack
• Runtime: 83 minutes
• DRM-free: Yes — play anywhere, keep forever
• Instant download: Yes — available immediately after purchase
• Price: €15.00

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Movie-Specific Questions

Q: Is this the version with the Technicolor ice ballet finale?
A: Yes, the film includes the spectacular finale that was originally partially shot in Technicolor, now enhanced with full colorization throughout the entire film.

Q: Are the real Shipstad and Johnson Ice Follies performers in this film?
A: Yes, legendary ice skaters Roy Shipstad, Eddie Shipstad, and Oscar Johnson perform their championship routines alongside the Hollywood cast in authentic sequences.

Q: How does Joan Crawford’s performance compare to her later dramatic roles?
A: Crawford brings surprising athleticism and charm to this lighter role, showing remarkable versatility long before her later dramatic triumphs in films like Mildred Pierce and Whatever Happened to Baby Jane?

Digital Download Questions

Q: What format is the download?
A: The film is delivered as a high-quality MP4 file compatible with all modern devices and media players.

Q: Is there DRM protection?
A: No. The download is completely DRM-free — you own it outright and can play it on any device forever.

Q: How do I receive the film after purchase?
A: You receive an instant download link immediately after payment. A backup copy of the link is also sent to your email address.

Related Colorized Classics

• I Saw What You Did (1965)
• Born to Dance (1936)
• Broadway Melody of 1938 (1937)
• The Wizard of Oz (1925)
• Babes in Arms (1939)