Cyd Charisse and Fred Astaire, The Band Wagon
The Band Wagon (1953), directed by Vincente Minnelli, stars a few names that helped make musicals as successful as they were and as enjoyable as they are: Fred Astaire, Cyd Charisse, Oscar Levant, and Nanette Fabray.
Everything about this film is stunning – the wardrobe, the choreography, the stars.. everything.
As someone who grew up watching ABC soap operas like her life depended on it, I also get a huge kick out of seeing a very young James Mitchell – not at all like the Palmer Cortlandt (All My Children) I’m most familiar with.
Was he ever deliciously wonderful in the role of Palmer?!?! One of the best daytime actors and characters of all time.
Sorry, I got sidetracked.
Something that Fred Astaire doesn’t get nearly enough credit for is the fact that he was a really good actor. He was, obviously, an absolute dancing guru… but, make no mistake about it… the man could act.
If you’ve never seen The Band Wagon, check it out as soon as possible. It’s a lot of fun and very well-directed – Vincente Minnelli was absolutely one of the best.
Rent or Buy The Band Wagon on Amazon Prime Video. You can also buy The Band Wagon on Blu-Ray (Amazon Link).