The Band Wagon
Tony Hunter is a well-known singer-dancer and movie star. He feels old and worn out. He is not being pursued by the reporters. His old pals Lily and Les Martin come up with an idea for a hilarious little Broadway show, and he accepts. But things begin to get out of hand, when bigshot “artistic” director/producer/star Jeffrey Cordova joins the production, proclaims it’s a modernistic Faust and insists on hiring a prima ballerina, Gabrielle Gerard, to star opposite Tony, and it’s hate at first sight. The tension is only heightened by her jealous choreographer. Pretentiousness is the death of this show. There are still romance and an “let’s throw on a show” epiphany. A triumphant opening is also in store. This is musical comedy after all! –Kathy Li
Director: Vincente Minnelli
Actors: Cyd Charisse, Fred Astaire, Jack Buchanan, James Mitchell, Nanette Fabray, Oscar Levant, Robert Gist
Country: United States