EASTER PARADE (1948)
Directed by: Charles Walters.
Produced by: Arthur Freed.
Written by: Albert Hackett, Frances Goodrich & Sidney Sheldon.
Director of Photography: Harry Stradling.
Edited by: Albert Akst.
Music by: Irving Berlin.
Released by: Warner Home Video. Country of Origin: USA. 103 Minutes. Not Rated.
With: Judy Garland, Fred Astaire, Ann Miller & Peter Lawford.
Special Features: Commentary by Fred Astaire's daughter Ava Astaire McKenzie & Judy Garland biographer John Fricke. "Easter Parade: Beyond the Avenue" about the making of the film; Judy Garland: By Myself documentary. Outtake musical number “Mr. Monotony.” Judy Garland trailer gallery. Radio promo and adaptation with the film’s stars.

A first time viewer would expect a musical with both Fred Astaire and Judy Garland to be good but Easter Parade exceeds expectations. With a memorable score by Irving Berlin, including songs like “It Only Happens When I Dance with You,” Garland and Astaire give this vaudeville love quadrangle depth and charm. Garland’s acting is impeccable. She showcases both her comedic skills and emotional range as the chorus girl Astaire is trying to turn into a dance partner to replace Ann Miller, who’s gone solo. Astaire is always charming, especially in his tap number “Drum Crazy.” The addition of Miller (who dazzles in “Shakin’ the Blues Away”) and Peter Lawford creates a stunning foursome.

DVD extras: The 110-minute Judy Garland documentary is excellent, tracing her path from the vaudevillian stage to her tragic death. It includes lots of Garland’s own tape-recorded thoughts. “Easter Parade: On the Avenue” is a thorough look into the making of the picture and includes interviews with Miller and screenwriter Sidney Sheldon. It is interesting how different the film was intended to be with Gene Kelly and Cyd Charisse originally cast in Astaire and Miller’s roles. In the commentary, Astaire’s daughter offers personal anecdotes, which are more informative than Garland biographer John Fricke’s secondhand accounts. Much of what he has to say is also in “On the Avenue.” Unfortunately, Fricke does most of the talking. Lauren Hines
May 8, 2005