Genre:
Musical
Release Date: 03/15/2005
Flags: Suitable for Children
Distributor/Studio: Warner Home Video
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
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