An Evening with Gene Kelly (1977) - Star of the month... Frank Sinatra

'An Evening with Gene Kelly' is a 1977 documentary interview film with Gene Kelly, interviewed by Gavin Millar.

The film begins with a short montage of Gene Kelly's signature songs including:

• "Singin' in the Rain" from 'Singin' in the Rain' (1952)
• "Broadway Rhythm" from 'Singin' in the Rain' (1952)
• "Mop Dance" from 'Thousands Cheer' (1943)
• "On the Town" from 'On the Town' (1949)
• "Newspaper Dance" from 'Summer Stock' (1950)
• "The Worry Song" from 'Anchors Aweigh' (1945)

Gene tells us about his early life, how he started dancing, the MGM studio, Frank Sinatra, his experimention with dance in film and much more.

As it only runs for 50 minutes, I think "An Hour with Gene Kelly" would have been a more appropriate title than "An Evening with Gene Kelly".

Overall, an enjoyable and insightful interview. 

That's Entertainment III (1994) - Star of the month... Frank Sinatra

"The song has ended but the melody lingers on..." - Gene Kelly (in 'That's Entertainment III')

'That's Entertainment III' is a 1995 documentary reuniting 9 legendary MGM stars, Ann Miller, Cyd Charisse, Debbie Reynolds, Esther Williams, Gene Kelly, Howard Keel, June Allyson, Lena Horne and Mickey Rooney.

Released 18 years after 'That's Entertainment, Part II' (1976), and to celebrate the 70th anniversary of MGM, 'That's Entertainment III' explores the MGM musical a little further than the previous films, by not showing clips from nearly 100 MGM musicals, but also a selection of unused musical numbers for the first time. 

Highlights from 'That's Entertainment, Part II'

• Overture - As with the two previous films, an overture welcomes us to this theatrical experience
• 'That's Entertainment III' opens with Fred Astaire singing "Here's to the Girls" from 'Ziegfeld Follies' (1945)
• First up is Gene Kelly, who provides us with the origins of the MGM musicals, with popular vaudeville acts being filmed in 'The Hollywood Revue' (1929), and the introduction of the Hays Production Code, which led to the casting of Jeanette MacDonald and Nelson Eddy is a series of family-friendly and compliant musicals
• Judy Garland & Mickey Rooney with their lively rendition of "Good Morning", from 'Babes in Arms' (1939)
• We are shown behind the scenes footage into how Eleanor Powell's "Fascinating Rhythm" number from 'Lady Be Good' (1941) was filmed
• Esther Williams introduces us to her giant swimming pool tank, and gives some background as to how her extravagant ballet sequences were filmed, treating us to her personal favourite clips from her wonderful films
• June Allyson talks to us about the screen test process, and we see June in action singing "The Three B's" in 'Best Foot Forward' with Nancy Walker and Gloria De Haven
• Cyd Charisse performing "Baby You Knock Me Out" in 'It's Always Fair Weather' (1955)
• Cyd Charisse shows us the scenic background building at MGM, and presents a loving tribute to the films of Gene Kelly
• Gene Kelly & Cyd Charisse's pas de deux "The Heather on the Hill" from 'Brigadoon' (1954), revealed to be Charisse's favourite dance with Gene
• Debbie Reynolds talks to us about classic leading ladies and gowns by the famed designer Adrian, through clips of Greta Garbo, Katharine Hepburn, Marlene Dietrich, Grace Kelly, Jean Harlow, Angela Lansbury, Elizabeth Taylor and Marion Davies
• A special montage is presented showcasing the best of latin/tropical talent, including Xavier Cugat, Ricardo Montalban and Carmen Miranda (with a memorable clip of Mickey Rooney impersonating Miranda in drag)
• Lena Horne shares her emotional struggle as an African American performer during the 1940s, which led to her usually making a brief walk-on singing performance, before exiting immediately after her number - she also reveals she was not permitted to play the role of Julie LaVerne in 'Showboat' (1951), due to the Hays Production Code not permitting interracial relationships
• Lena Horne singing "Just One of Those Things" from 'Panama Hattie' (1941)
• We are shown a deleted Lena Horne song from the film 'Cabin in the Sky' called "Ain't It The Truth" - cut because MGM felt it would be too risque showing an African American woman taking a bubble bath
• Ava Gardner's vocals for "Can't Help Lovin' Dat Man" in 'Show Boat' (1952) - in the film her vocals were dubbed
• The tragic story of Judy Garland's brief stint in 'Annie, Get Your Gun' in 1950, before she was fired - we see two filmed numbers "I'm An Indian Too" and "Doin' What Comes Naturally" for the first time
• Mickey Rooney appears to give an inspiring tribute to his good friend Judy Garland
• Judy Garland singing "Who?" in 'Till the Clouds Roll By' (1946)
• An unreleased Judy Garland song from 'Easter Parade' (1948) called "Mr. Monotony" - in my opinion, the best number filmed and I am baffled as to why it was cut
• An unreleased Judy Garland song from 'The Harvey Girls' (1946) called "March of the Doagies"
• Ann Miller (My personal favourite MGM star) gives a tribute to dancing legend Fred Astaire, who by now had passed away
• Ann Miller singing "Shakin' the Blues Away" in 'Easter Parade' (1948)
• Howard Keel takes us on a brief tour of the MGM film vault, and talks to us about new technology such as CinemaScope and Stereophonic Sound, designed to combat the threat of television... we are appropriately shown footage of the song "Stereophonic Sound" from 'Silk Stockings' (1957)
• Howard Keel & Betty Hutton singing "Anything You Can Do I Can Better" in 'Annie, Get Your Gun' (1950)
• The demise of the MGM musical is discused, including some memorable clips from some of the last big MGM hits, Elvis Presley singing the title song from 'Jailhouse Rock' (1957), Doris Day singing "Shakin' the Blues Away" from 'Love Me or Leave Me' (1955), and the title track from the Oscar winning 'Gigi' (1958)
• What better way to close the film than with a brief conclusion from Mr. Entertainment himself, Gene Kelly, in what is among the last bits of footage filmed of him
• And the finale... "That's Entertainment!" from 'The Bandwagon' (1955)

Featured performers (in alphabetical order):

Adrian, George K. Arthur, Fred Astaire, Lucille Ball, Jack Benny, Ingrid Bergman, Ray Bolger, Joseph Breen, Lucille Bremer, Jack Buchanan, Billie Burke, Leslie Caron, Cyd Charisse, Claudette Colbert, Joan Crawford, Bing Crosby, Xavier Cugat, Arlene Dahl, Marion Davies, Doris Day, Gloria DeHaven, Marlene Dietrich, Beth Dodge, Betty Dodge, Marie Dressler, Rosetta Duncan, Vivian Duncan, Jimmy Durante, Buddy Ebsen, Nelson Eddy, Cliff Edwards, Nanette Fabray, The Five Locust Sisters, Clark Gable, Greta Garbo, Ava Gardner, Judy Garland, Betty Garrett, Greer Garson, Paulette Goddard, Dolores Gray, Kathryn Grayson, Oliver Hardy, Jean Harlow, Katharine Hepburn, Bob Hope, Lena Horne, Betty Hutton, Harry James, Betty Jaynes, Louis Jourdan, Buster Keaton, Howard Keel, Grace Kelly, The King's Men, Hedy Lamarr, Angela Lansbury, Stan Laurel, Vivien Leigh, Oscar Levant, Carole Lombard, Myrna Loy, Jeanette MacDonald, Tony Martin, Joan McCracken, Ray McDonald, Douglas McPhail, Una Merkel, Ann Miller, Carmen Miranda, Marilyn Monroe, Ricardo Montalban, Polly Moran, Jules Munshin, George Murphy, J. Carrol Naish, Donald O'Connor, Janis Paige, Jack Pearl, Eleanor Powell, Jane Powell, William Powell, Elvis Presley, Luise Rainer, Debbie Reynolds, Ginger Rogers, Mickey Rooney, Aggie Ross, Elmira Ross, Maggie Ross, Rosaline Russell, Norma Shearer, Frank Sinatra, Ann Sothern, Clinton Sundberg, Don Taylor, Elizabeth Taylor, Lana Turner, Lupe Velez, Vera-Ellen, Nancy Walker, Esther Williams, Francis Williams, Chill Wills, Harry Wilson, Robert Young, Roland Young

Did you know...

• This was Gene Kelly's final screen appearance
• Gene Kelly is the only star to host all three 'That's Entertainment' films
• This was Debbie Reynolds' and Mickey Rooney's second time hosting a 'That's Entertainment' film

Closing remarks

Gene Kelly on the set of 'That's Entertainment III'

My favourite of all the 'That's Entertainment' films. What I like most about Part III is the presenters are all MGM musical stars, whereas Part I featured some stars who didn't make many MGM films (Bing Crosby, Donald O'Connor) or stars who didn't make many musicals (Elizabeth Taylor, James Stewart). 

Who better to present the best of MGM musicals than Ann Miller (my favourite MGM star), Esther Williams, June Allyson, Lena Horne and of course Gene Kelly!

The only bad thing about 'That's Entertainment Part III' is we are yet to see a part 4.

As of June 2012, there are a small number of MGM stars who could feature in a Part 4: Leslie Caron, Doris Day, Liza Minnelli, Marge Champion, Debbie Reynolds, Jane Powell, Esther Williams, Carleton Carpenter, Nanette Fabray, Mickey Rooney, Russ Tamblyn and Tommy Rall. That said, time is running out and sadly there may no more "That's Entertainment!"

That's Entertainment Part II (1976) - Star of the month... Frank Sinatra

Due to popular demand, and the success of 'That's Entertainment' (1974), we are presented with 'That's Entertainment, Part II' (1976), with even more music and even more entertainment.

In a slightly different format to the first film, 'That's Entertainment, Part II' is hosted solely by Gene Kelly and Fred Astaire, and includes newly filmed musical numbers of the duo. This film also extends beyond the MGM musical, and presents clips from MGM comedies and dramas.

Designed by Saul Bass, the opening title sequence pays homage to the range and style of title sequences from films from the 1930s and early 1950s.

Highlights from 'That's Entertainment, Part II'

• Overture - As with the first film, an overture plays
• That's Entertainment - Fred Astaire and Gene Kelly perform a newly filmes version of 'That's Entertaiment' with new lyrics
• The Stateroom Scene from 'a Night in the Ioera'
• Tributes to Cyd Charisse, Lena Horne, Leslie Caron and Marge/Gower Champion
• From This Moment On - from 'Kiss Me Kate' (1953)
• Black and White Montage -  clips from black and white musicals such as Judy Garland, Mickey Rooney, Jeanette MacDonald, Nelson Eddy and Jimmu Durante
• Slapstick comedy montage of Laurel and Hardy, Abbott and Costello and Jack BEnny
• Good Morning from 'Singin in the Rain'
• Triplets from 'The Bandwagon'
• Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas from 'Meet Me in St. Louis' (1944)
• 10 Cents a Dance - Doris Day's first appearance in a 'That's Entertainment' film
• Special tribute to Frank Sinatra
• Immortal stars and lines, featuring Greta Garbo "I vant to be alone", WC Fields in 'David Copperfield', Jean Harlow and Marie Dressler in 'Dinner at Eight' and Clark Gable in 'Gone With the Wind'
• Travel Talks montage
• France montage - Maurice Chevalier, Dinah Shore singing 'The Last Time I Saw Paris;' in 'Till The Clouds Roll By' (1943), 'I'll Build a Stairway to Paradise' and Gwen Verdon's can can
• There's No Business Like Show Business from 'Annie, Get Your Gun' (1952)
• Tribute to Katharine Hepburn & Spencer Tracy - both on their own and together
• Cypress Gardens Waterski Spectacular - what better way to close the film than with Esther Williams
• That's Entertainment (finale) - from 'The Bandwagon' (1953)
• Exit Music 

Featured performers (in alphabetical order):

Bud Abbott, Eddie 'Rochester' Anderson, Louis Armstrong, Mary Astor, Lew Ayres, John Barrymore, Lionel Barrymore, Freddie Batholomew, Wallace Beery, Robert Benchley, Constance Bennett, Jack Benny, Nacio Herb Brown, Jack Buchanan, Billie Burke, James Cagney, Sammy Cahn, Louis Calhern, Leslie Caron, Gower Champion, Marge Champion, Cyd Charisse, Maurice Chevalier, Ronald Colman, Gino Corrado, Lou Costello, Jeanne Coyne, Joan Crawford, Bing Crosby, Dan Dailey, Doris Day, Robert Donat, Fifi D'Orsay, Tommy Dorsey, Melvyn Douglas, Tom Drake, Marie Dressler, Margaret Dumont, Jimmy Durante, Nelson Eddy, Cliff Edwards, Nanette Fabray, W.C. Fields, James A. Fitzpatrick, Bob Fosse, Arthur Freed, Clark Gable, Greta Garbo, Judy Garland, Betty Garrett, Greer Garson, Hermione Gingold, Cary Grant, Charley Grapewin, Fernand Gravey, Kathryn Grayson, Carol Haney, Oliver Hardy, Jean Harlow, Katharine Hepburn, Judy Holliday, Sterling Holloway, Lena Horne, Betty Hutton, Harry James, Allan Jones, Buster Keaton, Howard Keel, Grace Kelly, June Knight, Miliza Korjus, Hedy Lamarr, Lassie, Stan Laurel, Vivien Leigh, Oscar Levant, Myrna Loy, Jeanette MacDonald, The Marx Brothers, Chico Marx, Groucho Marx, Harpo Marx, Roddy McDowall, Ann Miller, Robert Montgomery, Esther Muir, Dave O'Brien, Donald O'Connor, Maureen O'Sullivan, Walter Pidgeon, Eleanor Powell, William Powell, Tommy Rall, Debbie Reynolds, Ginger Rogers, Mickey Rooney, Christian Rub, Al Shean, Dinah Shore, Frank Sinatra, Red Skelton, Ann Sothern, James Stewart, Lewis Stone, Elizabeth Taylor, Robert Taylor, Marshall Thompson, Franchot Tone, Spencer Tracy, Lana Turner, USC Trojan Marching Band, Bobby Van, Gwen Verdon, Ethel Waters, David Wayne, Johnny Weissmuller, Esther Williams, Ed Wynn, Keenan Wynn, Robert Young

Fred Astaire & Gene Kelly in their second
and last appearance together

Did you know...

• This was Gene Kelly and Fred Astaire's first appearance together in over 30 years - they last appeared together in 'Ziegfeld Follies' (1945)
• In this film, Gene Kelly is 63 and Fred Astaire is 76 - the level of stamina they still have is impressive
• This was Gene Kelly's last directing credit
• This was the last time Fred Astaire danced on film
• 18 years later, this was followed by 'That's Entertainment III' (1994), which also featured Gene Kelly
• During the clip of 'From This Moment On' from 'Kiss Me Kate' (1948), Gene Kelly identifies Ann Miller, Tommy Rall, Bob Fosse, Carol Haney and Bobby Van, but does not identify Jeanne Coyne - Coyne was Kelly's second wife and had died from leukaemia three years earlier
• The song "Good Morning" from 'Singin' in the Rain' (1952), was originally to appear in the first 'That's Entertainment' (1974), but cut before release 

Closing remarks

'That's Entertainment, Part II' is an entertaining compilation of film clips. I personally find this to be the least enjoyable of the three films. Sadly Part 2 does not feature any clips of MGM greats June Allyson and Mario Lanza. A notable musical number which would have been ideal for inclusion is Ann Miller's show stopping 'Too Darn Hot' from 'Kiss Me Kate' (1953).

That's Entertainment (1974) - Star of the month... Frank Sinatra

"You can wait around and hope, but I tell you, you'll never see the likes of this again." - Frank Sinatra (as himself in 'That's Entertainment')

Gene Kelly presents a tribute to Fred Astaire

It's time to relive the music, the movies, the memories, the magic and the stars as some of MGM's greatest Hollywood stars reunite at the MGM studio to celebrate the 50th anniversary of MGM in 'That's Entertainment' (1974).

Produced, written and directed by Jack Haley Jr. (son Jack Haley, who played the Tin Man in 'The Wizard of Oz'), 'That's Entertainment' presents one of the greatest movie documentaries of all time paying tribute to the MGM musical.

Fred Astaire at the deteriorated set of 'The Bandwagon' 

'That's Entertainment' featuring special appearances from Gene Kelly, Fred Astaire, Elizabeth Taylor, Liza Minnelli, James Stewart, Frank Sinatra, Debbie Reynolds, Donald O'Connor, Mickey Rooney, Bing Crosby and Peter Lawford

Considered to be big risk at the time of it's release, the film turned out to be an enormous success, and became one of the highest grossing films of 1974.

Watch the film trailer:

Synopsis

Liza Minnelli pays tribute to her mother Judy Garland

I won't list every film and musical clip featured in 'That's Entertainment', as there are literally hundreds, but I will list and provide commentary on the highlights within the film - by the way, as you'll see there are many highlights.

• Overture - Keeping with the tradition of the great Broadway musicals, 'That's Entertainment' commences with red velvet curtains as the overture plays a medley of MGM songs including: 'The Trolley Song', 'Over the Rainbow', 'It's a Most Unusual Day', 'Singin in the Rain' and of course the title track
• Singin' in the Rain Montage - Following the overture, the film opens with a montage of MGMs greatest anthem 'Singin' in the Rain', from the first time it was performed by Cliff Edwards in 'The Hollywood Revue' (1929), through to Judy Garland's version in 'Little Nellie Kelly' and finally Gene Kelly (1940), Debbie Reynolds and Donald O'Connor singing the film in 'Singin' in the Rain' (1952)
• Frank Sinatra is the first star to make an appearance tracing the origins of the MGM musical, including clips from the first ever movie musical, 'The Broadway Melody' (1929)
• Glamourous Elizabeth Taylor is next, sharing her musical debut as a child in the film 'Cynthia' (1947)
• Peter Lawford provides some insights into the style and form of the MGM musical
• James Stewart continues with the transition of silent film into talking films, and shows footage of dramatic actors (including himself) who although not singers were forced into appearing in musicals - other actors featured include Robert Montgomery, Jean Harlow, Joan Crawford and Cary Grant... the segment concludes with a special tribute to Clark Gable
• Mickey Rooney appears outside the house where the 'Andy Hardy' series of films were made, and pays tribute to the low budget backyard musicals he made in the 1930s and 1940s with Judy Garland, and directed by Busby Berkeley
• Gene Kelly reveals the greatest dancing partner he has ever danced with to be Fred Astaire, before going into an Astaire tribute
• Donald O'Connor continues with a special tribute to the million dollar mermaid, Esther Williams
• Debbie Reynolds takes us into the MGM 25th anniversary dinner, where we see footage of some great stars such as Errol Flynn, Angela Lansbury, Katharine Hepburn, Spencer Tracy, Claude Jarmin Jr. and Greer Garson, before paying tribute to two of my favourite stars Ann Miller and Mario Lanza
• Showboat montage - A montage of songs from the first great musical epic 'Showboat' starring Kathryn Grayson, Howard Keel, Marge & Gower Champion, Joe E. Brown and Ava Gardner... featured songs include 'Cotton Blossom', 'Make Believe' and the immortal 'Ol Man River'
• Fred Astaire appears next on the deteriorated train station set from 'The Bandwagon' (1953), and reciprocates Gene Kelly's gesture with a special tribute to the great Gene Kelly
• Liza Minnelli, labelled MGM's "crown princess", presents a special tribute to her mother, Judy Garland
• Bing Crosby presents footage from his two MGM movies 'Going Hollywood' (1933) and 'High Society' (1956), and a special montage from the Oscar winning film 'Gigi' (1958)
• Frank Sinatra returns and concludes with introducing an abridged version of the 'American in Paris Ballet' from 'An American in Paris' (1951)



Glamourous Elizabeth Taylor

in 'That's Entertainment'

• The theatrical experience ends with the red velvet curtains once again and exit music to entertain the audience as they leave the cinema

Debbie Reynolds in 'That's Entertainment'

Featured performers (in alphabetical order):

June Allyson, Leon Ames, Kay Armen, Edward Arnold, Fred Astaire, Ethel Barrymore, Lionel Barrymore, Scotty Beckett, Wallace Beery, Ray Bolger, Joe E. Brown, Virginia Bruce, Jack Buchanan, Billie Burke, Leslie Caron, Carleton Carpenter, Cyd Charisse, George Cleveland, Maurice Chevalier, Joan Crawford, Bing Crosby, Xavier Cugat, Arlene Dahl, Virginia Dale, Jacques d'Amboise, Lili Damita, Vic Damone, Gloria DeHaven, Tom Drake, Jimmy Durante, Deanna Durbin, Buddy Ebsen, Nelson Eddy, Cliff Edwards, Vera-Ellen, Errol Flynn, Clark Gable, Ava Gardner, Judy Garland, Betty Garrett, Greer Garson, Hermione Gingold, Cary Grant, Kathryn Grayson, Virginia Grey, Jack Haley, Jean Harlow, Bernadene Hayes, Van Heflin, Katharine Hepburn, Lena Horne, Lottice Howell, Claude Jarman Jr., Betty Jaynes, Van Johnson, Allan Jones, Jennifer Jones, Louis Jourdan, Buster Keaton, Howard Keel, Grace Kelly, Charles King, Lorraine Krueger, Burt Lahr, Fernando Lamas, Angela Lansbury, Mario Lanza, Peter Lawford, Ruta Lee, Jeanette MacDonald, Marjorie Main, Joan Marsh, Tony Martin, Douglas McPhail, Ann Miller, Sidney Miller, Carmen Miranda, Ricardo Montalban, Robert Montgomery, Agnes Moorehead, Natalie Moorhead, Dennis Morgan, Frank Morgan, Jules Munshin, George Murphy, Conrad Nagel, J. Carrol Naish, Julie Newmar, The Nicholas Brothers, Fayard Nicholas, Harold Nicholas, Margaret O'Brien, Virginia O'Brien, Donald O'Connor, Reginald Owen, Walter Pidgeon, Marc Platt, Paul Porcasi, Eleanor Powell, Jane Powell, June Preisser, Richard Quine, Tommy Rall, Debbie Reynolds, Jeff Richards, Ginger Rogers, Mickey Rooney, Selena Royle, Norma Shearer, Frank Sinatra, Red Skelton, James Stewart, Paula Stone, Russ Tamblyn, Elizabeth Taylor, Sidney Toler, Audrey Totter, Spencer Tracy, William Warfield, Virginia Weidler, Esther Williams, Robert Young

Did you know...

Frank Sinatra in 'That's Entertainment'

• 'That's Entertainment' was originally intended to be a TV special, however the concept was expanded into a feature film 
• The success of 'That's Entertainment' was followed by two sequels
• Gene Kelly was the first star who agreed to appear in the film and was responsible in recruiting many of the others
• This was the last feature film to be shot at MGM studios - the studio was bulldozed and demolished for property development shortly after the film was released
• The song "Good Morning" from 'Singin' in the Rain' (1952), was originally to appear in Debbie Reynolds section, but cut before releases - the song was later included in 'That's Entertainment, Part II' (1976), and the song with Reynolds' narration was included in the promotional short film 'Just One More Time' (1974)

Closing remarks

'That's Entertainment' is still my favourite documentary film of all time. That may be because I am such a big fan of MGM musicals, and the stars of MGM - but even without this bias, the film is entertaining and insightful to even classic film novice.

The stars are all great, however I don't feel Bing Crosby and Donald O'Connor should have appeared in this film, as they did not appear in many MGM films. I would have preferred to have seen more regular MGM stars instead, such as Ann Miller, Esther Williams or Angela Lansbury.

The only disappointment I have with 'That's Entertainment' is the complete absence of Doris Day musicals - fortunately footage of Doris Day would appear in 'That's Entertainment II' and 'That's Entertainment III'.

The tagline on the original movie poster read "That's Entertainment! Boy, do we need it now!" - we needed it then, and almost 40 years later we still need it now!

Just One More Time (1974) - Star of the month... Frank Sinatra

'Just One More Time' is a 1974 short documentary film promoting the release of the feature film 'That's Entertainment!' (1974).

The short film is primarily made of footage of the hosts of 'That's Entertainment' including Gene Kelly, Fred Astaire, Elizabeth Taylor, Liza Minnelli, James Stewart, Frank Sinatra, Debbie Reynolds, Donald O'Connor, Mickey Rooney, Bing Crosby and Peter Lawford.

With some insightful narration and clips from some of MGM's most memorable musicals, this is a rather entertaining short film.

Did you know...

• The song "Good Morning" from 'Singin' in the Rain' (1952) as it appears in this short with Debbie Reynolds' narration was originally to appear in 'That's Entertainment' (1974), but cut before release

On the Town (1948) - Star of the month... Frank Sinatra

"East side, West side, rouse the city... One day, one night, that's the pity...Let's have a ball tonight, we're going on the town"

Frank Sinatra, Betty Garrett, Jules Munshin, Ann Miller,

Gene Kelly & Vera-Ellen in 'On the Town'

'On the Town' is a 1949 musical directed by Gene Kelly & Stanley Donen, and starring Gene Kelly, Frank Sinatra, Betty Garrett, Ann Miller, Vera-Ellen, Jules Munshin & Alice Pearce.

The film features a screenplay by Adolph Green and Betty Comden, from their Broadway musical of the same name.

Three sailors with twenty four leave are set to paint the town red, white and blue as they embark on a one day trip to New York, New York. They see this month's Miss Turnstile, Ivy Smith. They embark on a three man mission to find her. On the way, they meet and get some help from female taxi-driver Hildy (played by Garrett) and anthropological student Claire Huddesen (played by Miller).

"New York, New York, it's a wonderful town!"

Trailer

The trailer was produced as a mock James A. Fitzpatrick "TravelTalk: The Voice of the Globe" short film on Manhattan, with narration by Fitzpatrick. 

Watch the trailer:

Musical program

Frank Sinatra & Betty Garrett sing

"Come Up To My Place"

• "New York, New York" - Gene Kelly, Frank Sinatra & Jules Munshin
• "Miss Turnstiles Dance" - Vera-Ellen
• "Prehistoric Man" - Ann Miller (with Gene Kelly, Frank Sinatra, Betty Garrett & Jules Munshin)
• "Come Up To My Place" - Frank Sinatra & Betty Garrett
• "Main Street" - Gene Kelly (with Vera-Ellen)
• "You're Awful" - Frank Sinatra (with Betty Garrett)
• "On The Town" - Gene Kelly, Frank Sinatra, Betty Garrett, Ann Miller, Vera-Ellen & Jules Munshin
• "Sambacabana Revue" - Sambacabana Chorus Girls
• "Dixieland Revue" - Dixieland Chorus Girls
• "Shanghai Revue" - Shanghai Chorus Girls
• "Count On Me" - Gene Kelly, Frank Sinatra, Betty Garrett, Ann Miller, Jules Munshin & Alice Pearce
• "A Day in New York: A Ballet in 3 Acts" - Gene Kelly & Vera-Ellen
• "New York, New York" (Finale)

The only musical numbers retained from the original musical were "New York, New York", "Miss Turnstiles Dance", "Come Up To My Place" and the "A Day in New York Ballet".  Six new songs written for the film replaced the following songs not included: "I Can Cook Too", "Some Other Time", "Lucky To Be Me", "Lonely Town", "Carried Away", "I Understand", "Carnegie Hall (Do-Do-Re-Do)", "So Long Baby", "I'm Blue" and "Ya Got Me".

Song: "New York, New York" - Gene Kelly, Frank Sinatra & Jules Munshin

Song: "Come Up To My Place" - Betty Garrett & Frank Sinatra

Song: "On The Town" - Gene Kelly, Frank Sinatra, Ann Miller, Betty Garrett, Jules Munshin & Vera-Ellen

Song: "Prehistoric Man" - Ann Miller (with Gene Kelly, Frank Sinatra, Betty Garrett & Jules Munshin)

Song: "You Can Count On Me" - Gene Kelly, Frank Sinatra, Ann Miller, Betty Garrett, Jules Munshin & Alice Pearce

Clip from "A Day in New York Ballet" - Gene Kelly & Vera-Ellen

Song: "Miss Turnstile's Dance" - Vera-Ellen

Did you know...

• This was the first major musical to be filmed on location
• This was the third and final film Gene Kelly and Frank Sinatra made together
• This was the screen debut for Alice Pearce, Carol Haney and Bea Benaderet
• Alice Pearce originally played Lucy Schmeeler in the original Broadway production of 'On the Town' - she was the only member of the Broadway cast to appear in the film
• At the time of it's release, 'On the Town' was the second highest grossing film in MGM history, after 'Meet Me in St. Louis' (1944)
• Judy Holliday dubbed the following line of dialogue for an uncredited bit player: "The grass is always greener, if ya know what I mean"
• The Club Dixieland Chorus girls are wearing costumes previously worn in 'The Harvey Girls' (1946)
• Gene Kelly once said this was his favourite of all his films

Closing remarks

Whenever I think about my favourite movie musicals, one of the first films I always think of is 'On The Town'. I absolutely adore it! 

'On the Town' is 100% pure entertainment from the moment the three boys step off the boat and sing "New York, New York", until they return to the ship 24 hours later. 

The story is engaging, the jokes funny, the songs show-stopping and the performances brilliant. 

Speaking of the performances, I'd like to make special mention of four of the actresses in this film...

Ann Miller in 'Prehistoric Man', backed up by the world's

most expensive chorus: Gene Kelly, Frank Sinatra,

Betty Garrett & Jules Munshin

Ann Miller... What can I say? LOVE HER!!! This was the first Ann Miller film I had ever seen, and she instantly became one of my top 3 favourite stars, and she still is. Ann Miller once remarked, she had the world's most-expensive chorus backing her up in the 'Prehistoric Man' number... the chorus being Gene Kelly, Frank Sinatra, Betty Garrett & Jules Munshin.

Betty Garrett is fantastic as taxi-driver Hildy. Garrett is an actress I like very much, but sadly did not appear in many films.

Vera-Ellen is perfect as Ivy Smith, and it's pleasing to see her reunited with Gene Kelly. The two had initially danced together in the 1948 musical biography 'Words and Music'.

Alice Pearce, remembered by most people as the first Mrs. Kravitz in the 1960s TV series 'Bewitched'. Despite having a very small role in 'On the Town', Pearce shows us her unique comedic talent at being the annoying ugly duckling.

I repeat, 'On the Town' is one of the best movie musicals ever made, with Gene Kelly, Frank Sinatra, Betty Garrett and Ann Miller at their best. I love 'On the Town', and I know you will too!

Take Me Out to the Ball Game (1949) - Star of the month... Frank Sinatraarthur freed, betty garrett, busby berkeley, edward arnold, esther williams, frank sinatra, gene kelly, jules munshin, mgm, MGM musical, take me out to the ballgame, TCM, turner classic movies,

"It's fate, baby, it's fate, and it's knocking at our door... It's fate, baby, and that's the reason, you're mine and I am yours." - Betty Garrett (as Shirley Delwyn in 'Take Me Out to the Ballgame')

Frank Sinatra & Gene Kelly sing the title song

'Take Me Out to the Ballgame' is a 1949 musical directed by Busby Berkeley and starring Frank Sinatra, Esther Williams and Gene Kelly with Betty Garrett, Jules Munshin, Edward Arnold and Richard Lane.

Produced by Arthur Freed

Set in 1908, the film tells the story of fictional American League baseball team, the Wolves, and two of its players (who are also vaudevillians), Eddie O'Brien (played by Kelly) and Dennis Ryan (played by Sinatra). 

Frank Sinatra serenades Esther Williams

The ballplayers are devastated when the find out, the new owner of the Wolves is a woman, K.C. Higgins (played by Williams). Shorly after both Eddie and Dennis find themselves both falling in love with her. Things get complicated for Dennis when Shirley Delwyn falls in love with him.

Musical program

Frank Sinatra, Jules Munshin & Gene Kelly sing
"O'Brien to Ryan to Goldberg"

Musical program features:

• "Take Me Out to the Ball Game" - Frank Sinatra & Gene Kelly
• "Yes, Indeedy" - Frank Sinatra & Gene Kelly (with Jules Munshin)
• "O'Brien to Ryan to Goldberg" - Frank Sinatra, Gene Kelly & Jules Munshin
• "Take Me Out to the Ball Game" (Reprise) - Esther Williams
• "The Right Girl For Me" - Frank Sinatra
• "The Right Girl For Me" (Reprise) - Gene Kelly
• "It's Fate, Baby, It's Fate" - Betty Garrett & Frank Sinatra
• "Strictly U.S.A." - Frank Sinatra, Gene Kelly, Esther Williams, Betty Garrett & Jules Munshin
• "The Hat My Father Wore On St. Patrick's Day" - Gene Kelly
• "Finale: Strictly U.S.A." - Frank Sinatra, Gene Kelly, Esther Williams & Betty Garrett

Watch some of the musical highlights below...

Song: "Take Me Out to the Ball Game" - Frank Sinatra & Gene Kelly

Song: "It's Fate, Baby, It's Fate" - Betty Garrett & Frank Sinatra

Song: "O'Brien to Ryan to Goldberg" - Frank Sinatra, Gene Kelly & Jules Munshin

"Strictly USA" - Frank Sinatra, Gene Kelly, Esther Williams & Betty Garrett 

Song: "The Hat My Father Wore Upon St. Patrick's Day" - Gene Kelly

Song: "The Right Girl For Me" - Frank Sinatra

Song: "Yes, Indeedy" - Frank Sinatra & Gene Kelly (with Jules Munshin)

Deleted musical sequences

Two songs were filmed but deleted from the final film:

'Boys and Girls Like You And Me'

- Originally written for the Broadway musical "Oklahoma" (1943), it was cut from the final show; it was then supposed to appear in the film 'Meet Me In St. Louis' (1943), but was also cut from that as well; 

- Danny was supposed to sing the song to Shirley, the song was filmed however it was deemed too slow for the film and was cut

- The melody from the song was later featured in the TV movie musical 'Cinderella' (1957), with the song finally being sung in the 1996 stage production of 'State Fair'

'Babydoll'

- 'Babydoll' was developed after Gene Kelly prevented an Esther Williams swimming number from being included in the film

- Intended to be a lighthearted song and dance interlude for Gene Kelly and Esther Williams, the song was cut as it was considered to be "out of step" wit the rest of the film

- The song was later used in the film 'The Belle of New York' (1952), and performed by Fred Astaire and Vera-Ellen

- Although most of the footage filmed for the song exists, a small component of  footage is missing

Did you know...

• This was the second of three "buddy films" Frank Sinatra and Gene Kelly made together
• Gene Kelly, Frank Sinatra, Jules Munshin and Betty Garrett would all be reunited a year later in "On The Town" (1949)
• The idea for the film was conceived by Gene Kelly, who wanted to pay tribute to the early years of baseball
• Judy Garland was the original choice to play K.C. Higgins, however she had become unreliable due to her addiction to antidepressants
• June Allyson was considered for the role of K.C. Higgins, but fell pregnant
• Kathryn Grayson was considered for the role of K.C. Higgins
• In Britain, the film was released under the title 'Everybody's Cheering', as baseball is not popular there
• The final directed by solely by Busby Berkeley
• Baseball player Leo Durocher was originally intended to play the role of Danny Ryan
• In her autobiography, Esther Williams described her time on the film as "pure misery", and claimed Gene Kelly & Stanley Donen treated her with contempt, and made nasty jokes about her - Williams believes this was because Kelly was uncomfortable with her being 3 inches taller than him

Award nominations

• Writers Guide of America Award nomination for Best Written American Musical 

Esther Williams appears briefly in a swimming pool

Closing remarks

In my opinion 'Take Me Out to the Ballgame' is a below average MGM musical.  The pace of film gets slow from time to time, and there are not nearly enough songs. This aside, the stars are fantastic and the film was very successful upon it's release.

In addition to Gene Kelly and Frank Sinatra, I am also a big fan of the two actresses in the film: Esther Williams and Betty Garrett.

• Esther Williams was one of MGMs biggest money makers, and sadly she does not perform an underwater ballet sequence in this film. We do get to see her briefly in the swimming pool.



Esther Williams, Gene Kelly, Frank Sinatra & Betty Garrett

perform the finale of "Strictly U.S.A."

• Betty Garrett's role in the film is also far too short, as it takes 40 minutes for her character to be introduced. Betty Garrett was a wasted talent and sadly didn't make nearly enough films.

Overall not a bad film, although in my opinion it's inferior to the other two Kelly/Sinatra films "Anchors Aweigh" (1945) and "On the Town" (1949).