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The Band Wagon Details

1953

70
from 707 members

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

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
Genres	Music/Musical
Language	DVD: English
Released	Production year: 1953 To Rent: DVD: 16 May 2005

The Band Wagon (1953)

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Critic's review of The Band Wagon
View all critics' reviews (2)
- 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.
- 34703
- - Halliwell's Film Guide
  - 02 Mar 2006 at 15:44
Most helpful member's review of The Band Wagon
View all members' reviews (5)
- - 3
  - 0
  '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 ... read more »
  
  Report this review
- 130918
- [Highly rated reviewer]
  - Edgar Jephcote
  - Notts, England
  - 04 Aug 2005 at 01:09
Most recent members' reviews of The Band Wagon
View all members' reviews (5)
- - 2
  - 0
  The Band Wagon
  
  I loved everything about this film: the music; the dancing, the dresses Cyd Charisse wore! She was such a wonderful dancer. 'Dancing in the Dark' with ... read more »
  
  Report this review
- 805250
- - Miriam
  - Ealing, London
  - 01 Sep 2009 at 00:27
- - 0
  - 0
  None better!
  
  Technically, this print couldn't be better. No scratches; no bloops; no flaws of any kind. And the melodies are terrific, too. Ace material. How could ... read more »
  
  Report this review
- 676247
- - a customer
  - London
  - 22 Dec 2008 at 11:12
- - 2
  - 0
  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... read more »
  
  Report this review
- 201780
- - a customer
  - Clackmannanshire, Scotland
  - 02 Feb 2006 at 14:24
View all members' reviews (5)
News and features
View all
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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- 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 ...