Mini Review:
THE BAND WAGON (1953)
DIRECTED BY : VINCENT MINELLI
STARRING: FRED ASTAIRE AND CYD CHARISSE

As long as I've heard of this movie, I only just caught it yesterday on TCM. I'm glad I did. The ballet at the end is one of the greatest cinematic moments for either of the film's lead stars and the choreography is innovative and awe inspring, to say the least. Other than the final dance, however, the only other scene that stands out is the famous 'That's Entertainment' number early in the film. Along with Cole Porter's 'Another Opening, ANother Show' from 'Kiss Me Kate', it goes down in history as one of the 'theme' songs of the musical stage productions. Unfortunately, the rest of the movie does little else than build up to these two numbers and remains largely forgettable. Astaire is funny and charming, as always, but his character doesnt have the same draw as some of the earlier leading men he portrayed. It's a good film with two GREAT scenes.

My Rating: 7/10