Review of The Band Wagon (1953) by Matt T — 24 Nov 2010

An MGM technocolor musical extavaganza. Fred Astaire playing a part that was pretty much close to his standing at the time - a Hollywood actor/dancer whose best years are seemingly behind him. His comeback to Musical Theatre is somewhat hampered by a self deluded director/producer who wants to put on a serious musical/drama about the story of Faust and a dancing partner (Cyd Charisse) whose dancing style is totally different to his. Astaire - old style song and dance, Charisse - ballet.

The story in these type of films play second fiddle to the actual set pieces. A memorable routine has Astaire and two others perform as babies, kneeling down to look as is they are standing like toddlers. Astaire is a good egg as a washed up actor trying to make a come back. In many ways this is Hollywood having it's cake and eating it - a self parody.

But what brings Matt The Hat to review not only a musical but a colour film? Well it's because of the final dance sequence. A Film Noir pastiche with Astaire in a beige suit and fedora dancing opposite Charisse, who here plays two parts - a blue gown wearing blonde and shiny red dressed wearing brunette with legs up to her arm pits and looking scintillatingly sexy. Boy Oh Boy, they don't make'em like they used to *wolf whistle*. With Fred doing voice over in the style of a hard boiled detective and a group of male dancers all dressed in black hoofing around in the background and shooting their pistols. All with a faux big city background. All this in luscious colour. Man! I think this colour malarky might just become the next big thing.

Overall a laid back song and dance movie directed by Vincent Minelli. If Singing In The Rain put a smile on your face then this is for you. An old school musical. Like a cheap cappuccino - fun, frothy and forgettable.