"Ziegfeld Follies" an MGM feature from 1945 was shown recently on cable. This film was a sort of revue that combine comedy and music and showcased the stars under contract with the studio. If musicals were to succeed, they usually came from the folks that knew how to do this genre with style, which is the case of this entertaining movie.
Fred Astaire shows up in a couple of segments paired with Louise Bremer, a new partner for him. Mr. Astaire does what he did best: dance to his heart content. There is also a duet with Gene Kelly, another dancer who went to make a career in the studio. The dancing sequences are about the best things in the film.
The other highlight is Judy Garland in "A Great Lady Has An Interview", directed by none other than Vincente Minelli. The number shows Ms. Garland in all her splendor in a number that is quite a departure for her. Ms. Garland had a sweetness that came through easily in front of the camera, something that appeared to be a natural gift.
There are some funny skits involving Victor Moore, Fanny Brice, Hume Cronyn, William Frawley, Red Skelton, Edward Arnold, among others. Lovely Lena Horne makes a wonderful appearance singing "Love". Even Esther Williams, another MGM star has a chance to do some swimming. William Powell shows up as Florenz Ziegfeld.
Directors included George Sidney, Roy Del Ruth, Vincente Minelli, Charles Waters, Lemuel Ayers, Robert Lewis and Merrill Pye. The stable of writers of MGM contributed to make this a special film to be treasured.
Fred Astaire shows up in a couple of segments paired with Louise Bremer, a new partner for him. Mr. Astaire does what he did best: dance to his heart content. There is also a duet with Gene Kelly, another dancer who went to make a career in the studio. The dancing sequences are about the best things in the film.
The other highlight is Judy Garland in "A Great Lady Has An Interview", directed by none other than Vincente Minelli. The number shows Ms. Garland in all her splendor in a number that is quite a departure for her. Ms. Garland had a sweetness that came through easily in front of the camera, something that appeared to be a natural gift.
There are some funny skits involving Victor Moore, Fanny Brice, Hume Cronyn, William Frawley, Red Skelton, Edward Arnold, among others. Lovely Lena Horne makes a wonderful appearance singing "Love". Even Esther Williams, another MGM star has a chance to do some swimming. William Powell shows up as Florenz Ziegfeld.
Directors included George Sidney, Roy Del Ruth, Vincente Minelli, Charles Waters, Lemuel Ayers, Robert Lewis and Merrill Pye. The stable of writers of MGM contributed to make this a special film to be treasured.