The Band Wagon (1953) 7.6
A pretentiously artistic director is hired for a new Broadway musical and changes it beyond recognition. Director:Vincente Minnelli |
|
0Share... |
The Band Wagon (1953) 7.6
A pretentiously artistic director is hired for a new Broadway musical and changes it beyond recognition. Director:Vincente Minnelli |
|
0Share... |
Complete credited cast: | |||
Fred Astaire | ... | ||
Cyd Charisse | ... | ||
Oscar Levant | ... |
Lester Marton
|
|
Nanette Fabray | ... |
Lily Marton
|
|
Jack Buchanan | ... |
Jeffrey Cordova
|
|
James Mitchell | ... |
Paul Byrd
|
|
Robert Gist | ... |
Hal
|
Tony Hunter, a famous singer/dancer movie star, is feeling washed up and old hat (old top hat, tie and tails to be exact). The reporters are out for Ava Gardner, not him. But his old friends Lily and Les Martin have an idea for a funny little Broadway show and he agrees to do it. But things begin to get out of hand, when bigshot "artistic" director/producer/star Jeffrey Cordova joins the production, proclaims it's a modernistic Faust and insists on hiring a prima ballerina, Gabrielle Gerard, to star opposite Tony, and it's hate at first sight. And her jealous choreographer isn't helping to ease the tension. The show is doomed by pretentiousness. But romance, a "let's put on a show" epiphany, and a triumphant opening are waiting in the wings. After all, this is a musical comedy! Written by Kathy Li
Stunning musical about fading star Fred Astaire making stage comeback with the help of friends Oscar Levant and Nanette Fabares. Jack Buchanon is fun as hammy stage actor who teams up with the group. Cyd joins in as haughty ballerina. The songs are first rate. Fred's solos and the girl hunt ballet are good but I prefer the romantic Dancing in the Dark number. The other highlight is Fred cheering up the cast after the first night flops.This was the film that introduced That's Entertainment. It is given a joyous presentation as Jack Buchanon explains what the job of show business is all about.The color is stunning,costumes great,set design good.Surprisingly Cyd's big solo "Two-faced Woman" was cut. It was shown on TCM.