That’s Entertainment
Directed by Jack Haley Jr.
Written by Jack Haley Jr.
1974/US
IMDb link
Repeat viewing/Amazon Instant
[box] Gene Kelly: When you dance with Fred Astaire, you really have to be on your toes. This number from “Ziegfield Follies” was the only time we had a chance to work together. But, I’d change my name to Ginger if we could do it again.[/box]
What a time! The MGM musical was old enough to be nostalgic but many of the stars were alive and kicking. I was transported back to my youthful enthusiasm for these old movies. A lovely destination for Lockdown.
The film was made to celebrate MGM’s 50 year history. Aside from one episode featuring Clark Gable (we see him do a mean soft shoe to “Puttin’ on the Ritz” as well as in a beautiful photo montage)), the clips are from the MGM dream factory back when Arthur Freed was in charge of Musicals. Each of the episodes is narrated by a star associated with the star being covered. For example, Gene Kelly takes charge of Fred Astaire’s clips while Fred covers Gene.
The clips used range from the obvious – Gene Kelly dancing to “Singin’ in the Rain” – to the obscure – Cliff Edwards doing the same number with a bevy of chorus girls in “The Hollywood Review of 1929”. Other hosts include Bing Crosby, Peter Lawford, Liza Minnelli, Donald O’Connor, Debbie Reynolds, Micky Rooney, Frank Sinatra, James Stewart and Elizabeth Taylor.
The movie is over two hours long but has plenty of pep to carry it through. You will never see better singing and dancing. If you share my fondness for the genre and era, it’s a must-see.
Fred Astaire with ultimate tap partner Eleanor Powell in this incredible clip from Broadway Melody of 1940 (1940)
