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Friday, March 27, 2009

"Easter Parade", 1948

I have been humming the title song to this Irving Berlin musical for weeks. To me the song is tremendously positive, optimistic and hopeful. What woman wouldn't want to "walk down the avenue" arms linked with a "swell" who sees not a myriad of imperfections and failings but "the grandest lady" when he looks at her? Wow!

Judy Garland plays Hanna Brown. Hanna is a dancer in a small chorus line.
Fred Astaire plays Don Hewes, a dancer who has achieved a degree of fame and fortune.
Nadine Hale played by Ann Miller is Don's dancing partner. When Nadine informs Don that she has quit their team in order to strike out on her own Don is greatly disappointed. Don's career is now on the line. He must replace Nadine and as he is miffed at her, decides to do it Pygmalion style, by choosing the first dancer he sees. Of course he sees Hanna.

The story takes place within the space of one year, from one Easter to the next.
When Don and Hanna pass Nadine the first Easter Hanna is intimidated. Don assures Hanna that the next Easter she will be as confident and successful as Nadine.

Besides Irving Berlin's songs, (IMDb lists 18 in this movie!) there are wild, brightly colored costumes and wonderful dancing. Ann Miller was elegant and graceful, I thought, a treat. If you don't mind getting a song or two stuck in your head, dust off "Easter Parade".

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