by John Farr
Fred Astaire made films you can watch over and over again.
Easter Parade (1948)
WHAT IT’S ABOUT:
Dumped on Easter by longstanding dance partner Nadine (Ann Miller), Don Hewes (Fred Astaire) rashly wagers he can still draw crowds even teamed with the greenest of chorus girls. Hannah Brown (Judy Garland) is his pick, and Don begins grooming her for stardom.
WHY I LOVE IT:
In this joyous musical romp, MGM producer Arthur Freed paired Garland with the recently “retired” Astaire after original lead Gene Kelly injured his ankle. Combining Astaire’s moves and Garland’s pipes with a phenomenal Irving Berlin score adapted by Johnny Green and Roger Edens, highlights include the vaudevillian duet “We’re a Couple of Swells” and Astaire’s excellent solo to “Steppin’ Out With My Baby”. The movie was a big success in 1948, and no wonder! By all means, step out with this title.
The Band Wagon (1955)
WHAT IT’S ABOUT:
Astaire does a semi-autobiographical turn as Tony Hunter, a fading movie star who looks to the New York stage to revive his stalled career, and meets exquisite ballerina, Gabrielle (Cyd Charisse) in the process, along with a host of other colorful Broadway characters. While Tony and Gabrielle don’t hit it off right away, they eventually dance together, which thaws relations.
WHY I LOVE IT:
This film has everything you would expect from an Astaire/ Minnelli collaboration - a first-rate score, color, inventive dance numbers, and overall lots of energy, style and class. Hunter’s film career may be on the wane, but nothing in his dancing indicate why. The smoldering Charisse sets off more sparks than Ginger Rogers ever did, as the athletic, sensual Gabriella. And veteran English song-and-dance man Jack Buchanan is a hoot.
Funny Face (1957)
WHAT IT’S ABOUT:
Fashion photographer Dick Avery (Fred Astaire) transforms Paris bookstore clerk Jo Stockton (Audrey Hepburn) into a modeling sensation. It’s all a souffle-light pretext for breathtaking sets, music and dancing.
WHY I LOVE IT:
Combine the moves of Fred Astaire, the grace of Audrey Hepburn and the talents of Director Stanley Donen with the city of Paris and a Gershwin soundtrack, and what have you got? Movie paradise. Prepare to be delighted: this 50th Anniversary edition is “Swonderful, Smarvelous!” Look for Eloise-creator Kay Thompson playing a fashion editor modeled on Diana Vreeland.
John, I love all three of your choices - “Easter Parade”, “The Band Wagon” and “Funny Face” - and I do think that right now “Funny Face” is probably my favorite musical.
Shall We Dance is my favorite - walking the dog and the “Let’s Call the Whole Thing Off” roller skating sequence - marvelous!
Very helpful! I watched Top Hat, loved it and I was looking for more
You’re forgetting that, that wonderful man could also act without dancing. My `favorite Astair movie is John Irvin’s “Ghost Story.”
My favorite of Fred Astaire’s non-musical performances is “The Pleasure of His Company”. He even got to dance some with Debbie Reynolds and Lilli Palmer.
how about his dramatic turn in “On the Beach”?
a real talent and a gentleman.
YES! Absolutely! “On The Beach”
Please note that the THIRTEEN editorial staff reserves the right to not post comments it deems to be inappropriate and/or malicious in nature, as well as edit comments for length, clarity and fairness. No solicitations or advertisements will be allowed. Users may link to other Web sites relevant to discussion, but most often links to commercial Web sites will not be permitted.