Review of The Band Wagon (1953) by Spencer S — 01 Jun 2010
Hard not to like this perennial favorite from Vincente Minelli, one of his most effervescent films, up there with 'Meet Me in St. Louis' and 'An American in Paris'. Plot is paper-thin: washed up Hollywood hoofer returns to New York to star in a Broadway review written by two pals (obviously based on Betty Comden and Adolph Greene), review gets re-visualized by famous wunderkind impresario (a hilarious Jack Buchanan) with disastrous results, cast goes on the road to whip the production into a success.
This would all be very mediocre if it wasn't for the magnificent dancing of Fred Astaire and the beautiful Cyd Charisse and fantastic choreography by Michael Kidd. The score by Dietz and Schwarz is hit or miss, with the solid anthem 'That's Entertainment' vying with clunkers like 'Triplets' and hokum like 'Louisiana Hayride'.
The 'Girl Hunt' finale is a bit outlandish, but without a doubt the real highlight is Astaire and Charisse 'Dancing in the Dark' - truly one of the greatest romantic expressions on film.
This review of The Band Wagon (1953) was written by Spencer S on 01 Jun 2010.
The Band Wagon has generally received very positive reviews.
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