anyone else watching "Easter Parade"?

[Auggie27]

Posted: 3/22/08 at 9:54pm

I post this every year, but it remains my favorite Garland film after ST. LOUIS, especially since the definitive digital DVD transfer, which is exquisite. It's never looked better. And with Anne Miller and Peter Lawford, it represents the heydey of MGM's mastery of the genre. No wonder they've never been able to put it on the stage (sorry Mr. Tune, but no). This one is too perfect as is, the My Fair Lady plot, mixed with the Gypsy ambiance (mid-vaudeville) and a patina of the era it was created in (the 40s -- look at Judy's audition for the Follies outfit). We'll never see the likes of this combo again. If you want to "Chase the Blues Away," take a fresh peek.

[best12bars]

Posted: 3/23/08 at 9:14am

We're watching it later today at my partner's request. It's one of his favorite movies too.

[PalJoey]

Posted: 3/23/08 at 10:09am

Every number is a gem, including the silly "Happy Easter" ditty from the the beginning.

Oddly enough, my favorite number is "When the Midnight Choo-Choo Leaves for Alabam'"...it never fails to make me happy.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RJKl4U5mVsI

I only wish that Judy and Fred had teamed up again, or that he had appeared on her tv program.

[YouWantitWhen????]

Posted: 3/23/08 at 11:34am

I just had to add this one - because it is a trifecta - Judy, Ethel, and a very young Barbra, pre-Funny Girl...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jbfLQy7il14&feature=related

And a little bit of Liza and Judy

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Sd04_BxfJzU&feature=related

[harris007]

Posted: 3/23/08 at 11:50am

nope got JC superstar on right now

[roquat]

Posted: 3/23/08 at 10:47pm

Please don't even SUGGEST a stage version...

[colleen_lee]

Posted: 3/24/08 at 7:51am

It already exists.

[Auggie27]

Posted: 3/24/08 at 9:46am

Actually, "Midnight Choo-choo" is a personal favorite, the incredibly energetic choreography decidedly included. (Since I was a kid, I've waited for that moment late in the number when they slow down to do the 'train' effect.) Garland's ability to match Astaire step for sep wows me every time. Putting them on the edge of the stage was inspired.

My only quibble, which I seem to forget every year, is a few of Judy's more baroque costumes, which do not flatter or make much color or at times period sense. The 'date' one with the strange hanging white panels on her waistline is just bizarre. And I hate the pink gloves at the end, which rather than enhance, upstage the white Easter dress. Only a true fan would dare to nitpick.