5282 Series 5: Episode 17

22nd June 2026
Depressing Musicals
Who doesn't love a big uplifting film musical? Dave. And quite a few people, if cinema audience numbers are anything to go by. What about musicals that deal with Fascism, recession, poverty, dashed hopes and the grim inevitability of the love of your life turning out to be a bit of an arse? Turns out there is a lot to think about - and discuss - when it comes to depressing musicals.

Kevin, Mel and Phil each offer a film to consider, and Phil then goes for two wickets in one over with a early Bollywood classic.

Remember, the hills are alive but it's the sound of jackboots marching towards you.

Listen to Depressing Musicals

Full links to this episode:

Watch Gold Diggers of 1933

15 Pre-Code Shockers So Bold They Forced Hollywood's Cleanup

Jacques Demy's The Umbrellas of Cherbourg Trailer

Umbrellas of Cherbourg - Documentary of French New Wave Film

Jacques Demy on Wikipedia

Bob Fosse's Cabaret Trailer

Bob Fosse on Wikipedia

Actor Alan Cumming explores The Real Cabaret

Watch Guru Dutt's Kaagaz Ke Phool

Guru Dutt on Wikipedia

We make no revenue from links or recommendations.
Hosts Kevin Petch, Melanie Delaney, Phil Todd and David Benn.
Produced by Kevin Petch for Out Of Left Field.
Thanks for supporting 5282.

Leave a comment

Your Name
Your Email
(Optional)
Your Comment
No info required here, please press the button below.