As a journalist who began her unlikely path to writing by typing in obituaries, I have always found myself fascinated who those who have unique career paths. Which is what fascinated me about Busby Berkeley.
Busby Berkeley started his career in management and advertising. Somehow though, he ended up becoming a choreographer, writing and directing musical scenes in many of the movies of the thirties including classics such as 42nd Street. This despite the fact he had never had a dance lesson in his life. His path from one career to another led directly through Athol.
Maybe his destiny to be in the theater was pre-ordained. Born in Los Angeles, his mother, Gertrude Berkeley, was a stage actress and his father Francis Eno ran a stock company. At age 8, Busby’s father died and from age 12 on he attended boarding schools.
Graduating from Lake Military Academy in Peekskill, N.Y., Berkeley, then known as Busby Eno then accepted a position in management and later advertising at the Lee Shoe Company in Athol. He was on a way to a solid career.
Even in Athol, his desire to be involved with entertainment showed itself though. Several references are made to him in the Enterprise and Journal. On June 2, 1916 another reference was made of a party, arranged by Secretary W.B. Lawton of Athol going to Royalston. Among the singers was Busby Enos, who was listed as a tenor.
In Jan. 26, 1917, an announcement discussed a benefit for the Junior Alliance of the Unitarian Church which included “Fancy dances by Miss Marion Busbee and Busby Enos …and a monologue by Mr. Enos with with piano accompaniment by Mrs. Barbara B. Dexter.”
In 1918, Berkeley left Athol to join the war. In fact, he became part of Gen. Pershing’s staff, a lieutenant serving as troop entertainment officer. This involved coordinating and directing military parades and later producing shows for soldiers.
By the time the war was over Berkeley’s new path was set and his career began in directing and choreography. His work can be seen in dance scenes in many 1930s movies including “Gold Diggers of 1933,” “42nd Street,””Footlight Parade,” “Ziegfeld Girl,” “Broadway Serenade” and “For Me & My Gal.” He was nominated three times for Academy Awards in Best Dance Direction, in 1936, for “Lullaby of Broadway” and the “Words Are in My Heart,” In 1937, for “Love and War” and, in 1938, for the “Finale.”
Life offers twists and turns for all of us. Despite our best laid plans, we can often end up in a place completely different from where we had begun, still knowing this unexpected path was where we were meant to be all along. And in the case of Busby Berkeley, we can all be thankful his path led him to film and choreography, which we can now all enjoy.