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The Band Wagon (1953)

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100

Average Rating: 8.4/10
Reviews Counted: 14
Fresh: 14 | Rotten: 0

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Average Rating: N/A
Critic Reviews: 1
Fresh: 1 | Rotten: 0

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Average Rating: 3.8/5
User Ratings: 4,244

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Movie Info

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

Unrated, 1 hr. 52 min.

Drama, Musical & Performing Arts, Classics, Comedy

Directed By: Vincente Minnelli

Written By: Betty Comden, Adolph Green

In Theaters: Aug 7, 1953 Wide

On DVD: Mar 15, 2005

MGM Home Entertainment

The Band Wagon Trailer & Photos

Cast

Fred Astaire
Tony Hunter
Cyd Charisse
Gaby Gerard
Oscar Levant
Lester Marton
Nanette Fabray
Lily Marton
Jack Buchanan
Jeffrey Cordova
James Mitchell
Paul Byrd
Robert Gist
Hal Benton
Richard Alexander
Ernest Anderson
Porter
Leroy Daniels
Shoeshine Boy
Roy Engel
Reporter
Al Ferguson
Stagehand
Bess Flowers
Lady on Train
Ava Gardner
The Movie Star
Thurston Hall
Col. Tripp
Sam Hearn
Agent
Al Hill
Shooting Gallery Operat...
Judy Landon
Girls in Troupe
John Lupton
Jack the promoter
Owen McGiveney
Prop Man
Peggy Murray
Julie Newmar
Salon Model
Emory Parnell
Men on Train
Elynne Ray
Frank J. Scannell
Lotte Stein
Chambermaid
Jack Tesler
Ivan
Jimmy Thompson
Dee Turnell
Girls in Troupe
Herb Vigran
Bobby Watson
Bobby the Dresser
Smoki Whitfield
Chauffeur
Betty Farrington
Fitter
Stuart Wilson
Bert May
Boys in Troupe
Paul Bradley
Dancer in Park/ Waiter

Critic Reviews for The Band Wagon

All Critics (22) | Top Critics (5) | Fresh (17) | Rotten (0) | DVD (10)

The musical becomes a frenetic meditation on pop art versus high art, coming down hard on the side of the former.

January 1, 2000 Full Review Source: Chicago Reader

| Comment

Dave Kehr

Chicago Reader

Top Critic

A fun musical with creative choreography, but far too little substance.

August 15, 2011 Full Review Source: Oscar Guy

| Comment

Wesley Lovell

Oscar Guy

Minnelli's best musical is sparked by witty allusions to real-life showbiz persona like pretentious actor Jose Ferrer and birlliant but aging dancer Fred Astaire, the film's star, who shines when dancing, both with Cyd Charisse and alone.

July 27, 2006 Full Review Source: EmanuelLevy.Com

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Emanuel Levy

EmanuelLevy.Com Source: EmanuelLevy.Com

On the whole it's one of the best musicals ever made.

April 18, 2005 Full Review Source: Combustible Celluloid

| Comment

Jeffrey M. Anderson

Combustible Celluloid

For a lot of people, it ranks right up there among the handful of best musicals ever made.

March 23, 2005 Full Review Source: Movie Metropolis

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John J. Puccio

Movie Metropolis

...it's hard to dislike something so cheerful and uplifting as this movie.

March 23, 2005 Full Review Source: Movie Metropolis

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John J. Puccio

Movie Metropolis

Nobody made musicals better than MGM, and the proof can be found in this five-film set.

March 17, 2005 Full Review | Comment

Bob Bloom

Journal and Courier (Lafayette, IN)

A love song for the narcissistic, and theater people are sure to eat up the film, commentary, extras, and first rate DVD packaging.

March 14, 2005 Full Review Source: Slant Magazine

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Jeremiah Kipp

Slant Magazine

More Critic Reviews

Audience Reviews for The Band Wagon

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One of the best, BEST, scenes in all musicals, and the always lovely Cyd Charisse.

December 9, 2008

Spencer S.

Super Reviewer

Gene Kelly is a million times better than Fred Astaire. Sometimes it was really funny but the story in general kind of flopped. I really really liked the Triplets dance number though. Maaaagic!

September 12, 2007