Barnes & Noble

When "popular culture" meets high art, will the show go on, or is it curtains for the cast? That is the question that sets this gorgeous late-MGM musical in motion. The supremely graceful Fred Astaire plays a washed-out film star who returns to the stage for one last shot at reviving his career. But when the pompous director of the show partners the easy going entertainer with a high-class ballerina (Cyd Charisse), the two just step on each other toes. Music and dance lovers will find much to treasure in Band Wagon: Astaire strolling down the street wistfully singing "By Myself" or turning an arcade into his personal playground in "A Shine on Your Shoes"; Nanette Fabray, Jack Buchanan, and Astaire dressed as infants in the comic gem "Triplets"; glorious duets between Astaire and Charisse; and a showstopping "noir" ballet that cleverly spoofs Mickey Spillane. At the time Band Wagon was made, Astaire, in real life, was actually experiencing many of the same problems as his character, yet his dancing never looked as beautiful as it does in this classic. Karen Backstein

All Movie Guide

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

Product Details

• UPC: 012569675346
• Source: WARNER HOME VIDEO
• Time: 1:52:00
• Sales Rank: 10,605

This DVD is also available as part of a box set:

• Classic Musicals Collection - Broadway to Hollywood
• American Musicals - TCM Greatest Classic Films Collection