In 1974, MGM Studios released its first compilation of musical highlights from 45 years of Hollywood extravaganzas. Entitled That's Entertainment!, it was a big box-office hit and inspired a second compilation two years later. Eighteen years went by before MGM tried again. The third installment of the series contains a total of 62 musical numbers and includes scenes from more than 100 films. The cavalcade of memories is hosted by nine stars from the old musicals: Gene Kelly, Esther Williams,
Debbie Reynolds, Mickey Rooney, Lena Horne, June Allyson, Cyd Charisse, Ann Miller, and Howard Keel. The film is loaded with outtakes and unfinished numbers that didn't make the cut of the original musicals. At many points, there is a split screen, showing the finished product as filmed as well as behind-the-scenes confusion. It's as much a comic "bloopers" TV show as a tribute to the heyday of the musical. ~ Michael Betzold, Rovi
Looking back with haunted nostalgia and sticky sentimentality, this is the third and weakest of the MGM musical anthologies; even so, there are some good numbers with Gene Kelly and the other troupers.
It?s hard not to like a film with great clips from classic movies, and some great clips indeed. The behind the scenes footage is fascinating. Also the outtakes and deleted scenes. Not all the musical numbers shown are stellar numbers, but it's a very interesting documentary.
June 20, 2009
James Higgins
Am watching part III presently. This is a really good series, entertaining and a good over view of the history of movie entertainment, primarily musicals. The behind the scene information is intriguing, the chosen dance numbers are by the best in the business, really, there's not much to dislike here.
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