Title: Easter Parade

Year Released/Rating: 1948

Starring: Fred Astaire, Judy Garland, Peter Lawford, Ann Miller

Directed By: Charles Walters

Written By: Frances Goodrich, Albert Hackett, Sidney Sheldon, Guy Bolton

Star Rating:   5 /5 stars

Trivia: The shedding feathered gown worn by Judy Garland when she dances with Fred Astairein one number is an inside joke reference to Ginger Rogers' problematic gown dancing with Fred Astaire in Top Hat. An ostrich feather broke loose from Ginger Rogers' elaborate gown and stubbornly floated in mid air around Astaire's face.

Extra Trivia: Ann Miller danced with pinched nerves in her back. She was also taller than Fred Astaire, so she had to wear flats in her scenes with him. This can be seen towards the end of the movie. When she finishes the number "The Girl I Love" she goes behind the curtain wearing red high heels; when she comes back out in front of the audience to entice Astaire to dance with her to their old song "It Only Happens When I Dance With You", she's wearing red flats.

J had his standing meeting tonight, so I was left alone to choose the movie.  And I went with a classic, literally.  I love so many aspects of old movies.

• The outrageous costumes.  Exhibit A: Nadine organe dress in the second scene.  Who the hell would ever wear that for a night in?  But it just looks amazing while they're dancing.  I love all the costumes.  They are so colorful and intricate.  And Astaire's suits are the epitome of fine gentlemen's wear the late 1940s.
• Fred Astaire. He's not what I would find attractive looks wise.  But damn if he isn't attractive when dancing.  I just can't get over it.  I love to watch him dance.  Did you know?  Gene Kelly was to star, but broke his ankle.  That's okay, because Astaire is just amazing.
• The dialogue. So much banter.  I love it.  Sex scenes and cuss words were not allowed, but amazing banter is just peachy.  Love it! See the examples below.
• The music. I love singing along.  Oh hell, who am I kidding...  I just love musicals.

Overall it's got the whole My Fair Lady thing going on, but that's okay.  I still love it!  One of my favorites.

Best Bits: 

Don Hewes: A girl dancer has to be exotic; she has to be - a peach. Hannah Brown: I suppose I'm a lemon!

Don Hewes: Miss Brown, what idiot ever told you you were a dancer? Hannah Brown: You did.

[the bartender hands Don his drink] Don Hewes: Can you drown a brunette in this? Mike the Bartender: How tall is she? Don Hewes: Five foot six. Mike the Bartender: [filling the glass a little more] Try this.