I promise they won't all be Judy Garland movies! "Easter Parade" stars Fred Astaire as dancer Don Hewes who is suddenly dropped by his dance partner and love interest Nadine, played by Ann Miller. In an effort to make her jealous, he hires Judy Garland's Hannah Brown to replace Nadine. Then there's Peter Lawford as a man alternately referred to as Johnny and The Professor. Johnny/The Professor is everyone's best friend and has the hots for Hannah. But Hannah has the hots for Hewes. Which makes Johnny/The Professor Duckie from "Pretty in Pink."
I had only seen bits and pieces of this one as a kid and I don't think I appreciated it much back then. Astaire and Garland are wonderful. Speaking of Judy Garland, did you know she was gorgeous and totally hilarious? I always thought she was kind of pretty and medium hilarious, but this movie proves otherwise. It's my new favorite role of hers.
The only minus I'd give this one is Irving Berlin's music. It's enjoyable enough, but only a couple of memorable tunes. (Most notably "Easter Parade," which I can't seem to get out of my head.) Probably the most well-known number is "Steppin' Out With My Baby." Everything else was great, especially the costumes.
Grade: B+
Fast forward moment: Ann Miller. Why didn't I like her? Was it her two-toned hair? Her freakishly fast feet? Or was I still smarting from the fact that she dumped Fred Astaire's character? Who does she think she is, anyway? Whatever the reason, I found myself fast-forwarding through her dance numbers to get to the Garland/Astaire scenes.
Rewind That! moment:
Champion
4 months ago
5 Wisecracks:
Have you seen any Marilyn Monroe musicals? Gentleman prefer blondes and Some like it hot are so great. I also like How to Marry a Millionaire, but I can't remember if that is a musical. I also love most everything Dorris Day does, have you seen any of hers?
I've seen Some Like It Hot, but not the others. I don't know that I've ever seen a Dorris Day musical. Woohoo! Good suggestion!
for sure check out Gentleman Prefer Blondes, hilarious and fun music (diamonds are a girls best friend!). I also forgot to ask you if you like Elvis musicals. I love Viva Las Vegas and Blue Hawaii. If you don't like Elvis, you probably wont like them as much.
I love Elvis! Wait--fat Elvis or thin Elvis? Just kidding. My Dad and I watched an Elvis movie marathon when we were on a road trip, once, so I may have seen both of those movies. Or maybe the movie was just really long and I've only seen one. Either way, good idea!
Ann Miller's solo number is one of Easter Parade's best moments. I'll take Fred with Drum Crazy for the second top dance routine. Pity there's no romance to hold this film together. I just can't believe Garland would fall for Astaire.
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