Easter Parade (1948)

Don Hewes (Fred Astaire) is devastated when his longtime dancing partner, Nadine Hale (Ann Miller), breaks up the team to set out on her own. Determined to prove that he can succeed without her, Astaire vows that he can pick any random chorus girl and make her a star. Fortunately for him, the chorus girl he picks happens to be one of the greatest entertainers of the 20th century, Judy Garland (playing Hannah Brown). Easter Parade turned out to be the first and only collaboration between the two screen legends. Garland made the 1948 film despite ongoing health problems then had to pull out of a planned follow-up, The Barkleys of Broadway (Ginger Rogers replaced her); Astaire had retired following Blue Skies in 1946 but was brought in for this film as an emergency replacement after Gene Kelly broke his ankle playing touch football. Fortunately, Easter Parade always feels like an Astaire film rather than a Kelly film, from its Pygmalion-esque plot (which helps explain the principals' 23-year age disparity) to its score of Irving Berlin standards (some new, some recycled from earlier films). The film capitalizes on the strengths of both stars, Astaire in dance solos, including "Drum Crazy" and "Steppin' Out with My Baby" (MGM's take on Astaire's earlier, persona-defining "Top Hat, White Tie, and Tails"), and Garland in vocal solos, including the torchy "Better Luck Next Time." The stars especially shine, however, when they perform together in their vaudeville numbers, most notably the persona-defying hobo routine "We're a Couple of Swells." Watch this classic every Easter. --David Horiuchi Amazon.com essential video

A great gift for someone with dementia at Easter or any other time

Easter Parade, the movie, is a classic that those with dementia will enjoy especially during the Easter season. Folks with dementia feel a special connection to the classic musicals. The songs are familiar to them. They often will sing along. The music uplifts them. The dancing and the drama are exciting. This movie will put a dementia person in the Easter spirit. Buy them a new Easter bonnet to complete the experience. Watch this movie with someone you love whether they have dementia or not for a terrific Easter day.

By Susan Berg author ofAdorable Photographs of Our Baby: Meaningful, Mind Stimulating Activities and More for the Memory Challenged, Their Loved Ones, and Involved Professionals a book for those with dementia and an excellent resource for caregivers and healthcare professionals March 16, 2008

'It Only Happens When I Dance With You"

When Don Hewes dance partner Nadine Hale (Ann Miller) abandons their act, he sets out to find a new partner. He discovers Hannah Brown (Judy Garland, in one of her favorite roles). This movie was originally intended to star Gene Kelly as Don Hewes and Cyd Charisse as Nadine Hale. But Gene Kelly broke his ankle and Cyd tore a muscle so Fred and Ann stepped in. (I really like this movie, but I think it would have been better with Cyd and Gene.)
There is a little confusion as Don loves Nadine, Nadine loves Johnny (Peter Lawford as Don's best friend), Johnny loves Hannah, and Hannah loves Don. But in the end all works out well!
Judy sings some wonderful Irving Berling songs: Easter Parade, It Only Happens When I Dance With You, I Wish I Was In Michigan, Better Luck Next Time and I Love a Piano. This DVD also includes the deleted song "Mr. Monotony" in which she wears the tuxedo top she later wore for her famous "Get Happy" number in Summer Stock. February 27, 2008

An emblematic cast!

Taking into account you are going to see 17 Irving Berlin's tunes, plus the first-rate cast Judy Garland and Fred Astaire, you may even forget the plot.

An unforgettable musical.
August 20, 2007

Easter Parade

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. June 21, 2007

Visual Poetry in Slow Motion !!!

Words are not able to fully describe what your eyes will see.
Can never, ever, be remade even with an unlimited budget.
Fred is Priceless. June 10, 2007

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