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The Band Wagon Details

1953 Certificate U
  • Rated:
  • 70
  • from 574 members

One of the most subtle and sophisticated of the musical comedies that came out of MGM's Arthur Freed Unit in the '40s and '50s, The Band Wagon stars Fred Astaire as Tony Hunter, a movie star whose career is in a downturn. Looking for a boost, Tony decides to try starring in a Broadway musical. His friends Lester and Lily Marton .. Read more

Starring Fred Astaire, Cyd Charisse, Jack Buchanan, Oscar Levant
Director Vincente Minnelli
Genres Music/Musical

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The Band Wagon

One of the most subtle and sophisticated of the musical comedies that came out of MGM's Arthur Freed Unit in the '40s and '50s, The Band Wagon stars Fred Astaire as Tony Hunter, a movie star whose career is in a downturn. Looking for a boost, Tony decides to try starring in a Broadway musical. His friends Lester and Lily Marton (Oscar Levant and Nanette Fabray) have written a show they feel would be just right for Tony, and the three team up with Jeffrey Cordova (Jack Buchanan), a self-styled genius director, who gets the idea to turn the play into a revised version of Faust. Cordova's more pretentious ideas don't always sit well with the Martons, and Tony isn't too happy with his leggy co-star, Gaby Gerard (Cyd Charisse), whom he's convinced is too tall (then again, she thinks he's too old). But when the show proves a disaster in out-of-town tryouts, everyone realizes they have to put aside their differences if they want a show that will be on Broadway for longer than four hours. The Band Wagon featured a rare American appearance for British musical star Jack Buchanan, who does a fine soft-shoe with Fred Astaire on I Guess I'll Have to Change My Plan. Astaire also shines in the numbers Shine on Your Shoes and The Girl Hunt, a witty Mickey Spillane parody.~ Mark Deming, All Movie Guide

Starring Fred Astaire, Cyd Charisse, Jack Buchanan, Oscar Levant, Nanette Fabray
Director Vincente Minnelli
Studio WARNER HOME VIDEO
Run time DVD: 1 hr 48 mins
Certificate Certificate U
Genres Music/Musical
Language DVD: English
Released DVD: 16 May 2005
Production year: 1953
Format DVD

The Band Wagon (1953)

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  • Critics' reviews (3) of The Band Wagon

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  • 5 stars out of 5

    This clever and witty backstage musical with its great Arthur Schwartz/Howard Dietz score is a screen original from writers Betty Comden and Adolph Green (the Singin' in the Rain team). It boasts brilliant direction from Vincente Minnelli and fabulous Technicolor production design, and to many marks the peak of Fred Astaire's screen work. Astaire is stunning as he partners the gorgeous Cyd Charisse in Dancing in the Dark (Gene Kelly's own favourite Astaire number) and the Mickey Spillane parody The Girl Hunt ballet superbly choreographed by Michael Kidd and Oliver Smith. British veteran Jack Buchanan is cleverly cast, and Oscar Levant and Nanette Fabray effectively play Green and Comden themselves. This is as good as musicals get.

    • Radio Times
    • Posted 29 Jan 2006
  • 4 stars out of 4

    Simple but sophisticated musical with the bare minimum of plot, told mostly in jokes, and the maximum of music and song. Numbers include those listed below, as well as a spoof Mickey Spillane ballet finale. Level of technical accomplishment very high.

    • Halliwell's Film Guide
    • Posted 02 Mar 2006

  • Most helpful member's review of The Band Wagon

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  • 2 out of 2 people found this review helpful

    Rated - 5 stars

    'That's Entertainment'

    In respects, a much underrated film. This is a very enjoyable film to watch and easy on the eyes and ears. Great Comedy from all the cast.

    Basically a Vincente Minelli classic.

    The Bonus Disc is well worth the effort. An axcellent documentary on Minelli there too. The Feature disc also has a worthwhile audio commentary.

      • Edgar Jephcote from Notts, England
      • Posted 04 Aug 2005 01:09

  • Most recent members' review of The Band Wagon

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  • 2 out of 2 people found this review helpful

    Rated - 4 stars

    Fred Astaire at his best!

    A fading star from Hollywood comes back to New York to try his luck. An over-the-top producer/director takes him on and tries to turn him into a great dramatic actor. Of course it all fails because the fading star is Fred Astaire and when he takes over producing the show the scene is set for some wonderful dancing. In Grand Central Park he and Cyd Charisse dance so beautifully it brings a lump to your throat! Go on - enjoy yourself and never mind the story. Jack Buchanan is so over-the-top that he will bring back memories of the 1930s on the London stage, and the youngest can join with the oldest in having a great time.

      • A customer from Clackmannanshire, Scotland
      • Posted 02 Feb 2006 14:24

  • News and features

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    Beauty

    Singin' In The Rain tops best film musical list

    • 06 Sep 2006

    There are some movie fans who will, no doubt, be quite content to leave the musical genre outside Singin' In The Rain, preferring their silver screen experience to remain uninterrupted by spontaneous bouts of singing, tapping and dancing. For others, however, the innocent charm exuded by film genres poor relation, will ensure that The Sound Of Music will emanate from many a home movie system. Compulsive list-maker the American Film Institute (AFI) has now compiled its list of the 25 greatest... Read more

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Rating breakdown

574 Member ratings
  • 100
74
  • 90
52
  • 80
106
  • 70
104
  • 60
97
  • 50
55
  • 40
33
  • 30
24
  • 20
18
  • 10
11

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      • One of the most subtle and sophisticated of the musical comedies that came out of MGM's Arthur Freed Unit in the '40s and '50s, The Band Wagon stars Fred Astaire as Tony Hunter, a movie star whose ...