Wednesday, April 06, 2011

Easter Parade



A to Z Blogging Challenge: Movie Memories
Blogging about the movies that made an impact on my life

Where do I begin? Easter Parade (1948) is my absolute favorite Fred Astaire movie and was shown on TV every year during the Easter season (what a coincidence!) I remember watching it with my kids when they were young. My enthusiasm was contagious and they got a kick out of their mom singing along with Judy and Fred to those luscious Irving Berlin tunes.

When Ann Miller performed her "Shakin' the Blues Away" number I got chills and wished my mom had given me tap dancing lessons. It is one of the greatest moments in Hollywood Musical history.

My favorite Astaire number was "Steppin' Out with My Baby." There's an awesome slow-motion scene that will blow your mind. And his white suit and red socks? Wow!

The story takes place around 1912 when Vaudeville was all the rage and the Ziegfeld Follies was the place to be. Judy and Fred are a dancing/singing act called "Hannah and Hewes." However, romance is the name of the game:

Johnny (Peter Lawford) is in love with Hannah (Judy Garland).
Hannah is in love with Don (Fred Astaire).
Don is in love with Nadine (Ann Miller).
Nadine is in love with Johnny.

The video clip features "Steppin' Out with My Baby" from the movie:

16 comments:

Sylvia Ney said...

I've always liked this movie. What a creative blog. I'm stopping by from the "A to Z" challenge and I look forward to reading more from you.

Luana Krause said...

Hi, Sylvia! Thanks for visiting.

Huntress said...

I know you'll get tired of this, but...

Great Blog and theme for A to Z Challenge.

Marjorie said...

I always really liked Easter Parade. I haven't seen it a long time. I'll have to watch it again some time.

Luana Krause said...

Huntress: I never get tired of reading comments to my blog! Thanks, Huntress.

Luana Krause said...

Marjorie: Easter is right around the corner. It might show up on TV this month.

Bluestocking Mum said...

I love some of the oldies and used to watch all the Fred and Ginger movies.

Great idea to do the challenge on films.

x

Melissa Dean said...

Love it! Great post. Big fan of Easter Parade.

I'm a A-Z challenger too. My blog is www.melissaddean.com. Come by! I'm now following you. Love all things Wizard of OZ!

Jeff Beesler said...

I'm finding myself coming upon posts of two types: A list of a writer's favorite things, or posts where I learn something new without even trying. In your case, your blog could fall under either heading. Thanks for sharing "Easter Parade!" with us.

Misha Gerrick said...

I've never seen it, but the love cycle idea has me interested. ^_^

Luana Krause said...

Bluestocking, Melissa, Jeffrey, Misha: Thanks for stopping by. It's so nice to meet new people in the blog challenge!

Margaret Hall said...

I, too, loved Easter Parade, and I remember sitting one day with my daughter watching the film when she remarked, "Mom, were you like Judy Garland and dressed like that when you were little?"...Fred Astaire was a phenomenon! An awesome entertainer...
(sorry to be late, life again)
Loved your posting ...

http://timeforabucketlist.blogspot.com/
http://imagesinthought.blogspot.com/
http://the-old-story-tree.blogspot.com/
http://bagladythoughts.blogspot.com/

Joe Richardson said...

I love this film, but my favorite Astaire flick is Holiday Inn. Astaire AND Crosby! They were magic, and they lit up the screen.

Makes me sad I wasn't there to see it, first time out.

Thanks for the great post!

Best,
Joe
f: first & final

Luana Krause said...

Hi, Joe: Great flick! Crosby is amazing. I also liked Royal Wedding just for the celing dance scene. WOW!

Craig Edwards said...

Luana - you're the first movie blogger I've run into during this A - Z Challenge to post a movie I can't truly say I've seen! I saw bits of this on television with one of my brothers back when I was a kid - but I need to sit down with it now and really give it a watch! Thanks for the kick in the seat! ;)

Luana Krause said...

Craig: I'm so happy to introduce you to Easter Parade. Musicals aren't everyone's cup of tea. I love them...but I prefer the old ones (before the 1970s)...not the new ones as much.