Flash Dance
Strictly Ballroom
Footloose
West Side Story
Cabaret
Oklahoma
Dirty Dancing
Everyone Says I Love You - Woody Allen
Evita
ALL THAT JAZZ A glittery, surrealistic musical by Bob Fosse. Roy Scheider is a demanding musical director trying to find meaning in his work and his life. Dazzling dance numbers. Includes appearances by Ben Vereen, Jessica Lange and Ann Reinking. 123 min. (1979)
AN AMERICAN IN PARIS The dancing of Gene Kelly and Leslie Caron, a classic score by George Gershwin and the romantic settings of the City of Lights make for a timeless musical delight. Winner of six Academy Awards, including Best Picture, 113 min. (1951)
THE BAND WAGON A super MGM musical! it's a tune filled tale about a has been movie star who takes to Broadway to find a new career. Songs include "Dancing in the Dark," "Shine on Your Shoes," and "That's Entertainment." Fred Astaire, Cyd Charisse, Jack Buchanan. 112 mins. (1953)
THE BARKLEYS OF BROADWAY Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers' final screen pairing is also a deft spoof of their public image, as they portray a popular but endlessly bickering husband and wife dance team. Includes the reprise of "They Can't Take That Away From Me" and the "Shoes with Wings On" number. Oscar Levant also stars. 109 mins. (1949)
BRIGADOON Gene Kelly and Van Johnson witness the awakening of a magical Scottish village which comes alive every 100 years. Lerner and Loewe classic score. Cyd Charisse. 108 mins. (1954)
BROADWAY MELODY OF 1936 Bob Gordon is staging a new Broadway Show, but
he is short of money. He gets an offer of money by the young widow Lilian,
if she can dance in his new show. Bert Keeler, a paper man, gets this information
and is writing about this in his column in an slight unfriendly way.
Gordon's old class mate Irene Forster, a tap dancer from Albany also tries
to get the leading role in this show, but Lilian insistes in getting this
part herself. So Irene Forster, Bert Keeler and Gordon's secretary Kitty
start a little game to get Irene the leading role. Stars include Eleanor
Powell, Jack Benny, Vilma and Buddy Ebsen, and Robert Taylor. Choreographer
Dave Gould won an Academy Award. Black and white.
[Story synopsis from Web Film Database Server.]
BROADWAY MELODY OF 1938 Stars include Eleanor Powell, George Murphy, Judy Garland andBuddy Ebsen. Black and white.
BROADWAY MELODY OF 1940 Top flight entertainment highlighted by a marvelous
Cole porter score ("Begin the Beguine"), exciting Fred Astaire Eleanor
Powell dance numbers, and some hilarious skits. Also stars George Murphy,
Frank Morgan and Ian Hunter. Choreographer is Bobby Connelly who was responsible
for the musical numbers in the "Wizard of Oz." 102 min. Black and white.(1940)
[Comments: The tap routines in this film really cook! Eleanor
and Fred are well matched in tap. Their routine/challenge to Begin the
Beguine is a classic. (PJC)]
THE COTTON CLUB (1984) Francis Ford Coppola's lavish recreation of the
famed Harlem nightclub and the gang lords wo went there is a reiveting
daram highlighted with a nostalgic jazz score. Richard Gere is a musician
(trumpet, doing his own playing!) mixed up with the mob. Diane Lane is
the boss' girl he falls for. With Gregory and Maurice Hines, Bob Hoskins
and Fred Gwynne. 127 mins.
[Comments: Features Maurice and Gregory Hines as a brother tap duo
and a visit to the "Hoofers Club" where Honi Coles (as 'Sugar') presides.
Greg also does a great a capella solo and stair dance as counterpoint to
gunfire. Tap choreography by Henry LeTang and 'improvography' by Gregory
Hines for his solos. (PJC)
DADDY LONG LEGS (1955) Lavish, dance filled extravaganza starring Leslie Caron as a French orphan whose schooling is sponsored by an anonymous American millionaire, played by Fred Astaire. The, millionaire's secretary persuades her boss to visit the girl, and romance soon blooms. Terry Moore, Thelma Ritter costar; songs include "Something's Got to Give." 128 mins. (1955)
FOLLOW THE FLEET Fred's a gum chewing sailor, Ginger's a danceh all hostess, and they dance together to some of Irvin Berlin's best loved songs, including "Let Yourself Go" and "We Saw the Sea." Costars Betty Grable, Randolph Scott; look quickly for Lucille Ball. 110 mins. (1936)
FOOTLIGHT PARADE One of Busby Berkeley's best, featuring out of this world musical numbers and songs like "Honeymoon Hotel," "By a Waterfall," and "Shanghai Lil." James Cagney is a down and out stage producer who tries his hand at supendous dance numbers. Joan Blondell, Ruby Keeler and Dick Powell costar. 105 mins. (1933)
FLYING DOWN TO RIO The credits in this breezy musical may list
Dolores Del Rio first, but Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers steal the show
in their first film together. Features the classic "Carioca" number
and dozens of chorus girls dancing on the wings of airplanes "in midair."
89 min. (1933)
[Comments: Great tap number by the Nicholas Brothers also. (PJC)]
THE GAY DIVORCEE There's dancing in the divorce court with Astaire and Rogers doing "Night and Day," "The Continental," and more. Co stars Betty Grable and Edward Everett Horton in one of Hollywood's glossiest productions. 107 mins. (1934)
HOLIDAY INN Irving Berlin's musical trip through the calendar featuring the film debut of the song "White Chrismas." Bing Crosby is an entertainer who tires of the stage life and buys a country inn to relax, only to find he can't escape show biz, especially when hoofer Fred Astaire tries to woo Bing's girl. 101 mins. (1942)
HOORAY FOR LOVE film partnered Bill "Bojangles" Robinson and Jeni Le Gon, pioneering female tapper. If you see this one on TV or cable, tape it! (Not in Movies Unlimited. catalog.)
IT'S ALWAYS FAIR WEATHER Gene Kelly film comedy. Three soldiers meet 10 years after their last meeting in New York again, and find out, that they have litte in common now. (Follow up to "On the Town.") Includes Gene doing a street tap number in roller skates. 102mins. (1955)
JUST AROUND THE CORNER (1938) When her architect/father loses his job, it's up to little Shirley Temple to talk a miserly tycoon into creating new jobs to help out Depression riddled America. Winning musical tale also stars Bill "Bojangles" Robinson, Charles Farrell, Bert Lahr. Songs include "I'll Be Lucky With You", "I'm Not Myself Today". One of four films featuring Shirley and "Bojangles". 70mins. (1938)
THE LITTLE COLONEL (1935) One of Shirley Temple's best loved films, with the million dollar moppet playing peacemaker between her ex Confederate officer grandfather and her mother, who married a Yankee. Features the classic "stair dance" between Temple and Bill "Bojangles" Robinson. One of four films featuring Shirley Temple and "Bojangles" Robinson. [Note: the Internet Movie Database lists a 1925 silent film of the same title.] (1935)
THE LITTLEST REBEL When her father is arrested by Union soldiers and wrongly sentenced to death as a Confederate spy, singing Southeren belle Shirley Temple goes all the way to President Lincoln to save his live. Features John Bolles, Bill "Bojangles" Robinson. 73 mins. (1935)
ON THE TOWN Three sailors Gene Kelly, Jules Munshin and Frank Sinatra on shore leave for 24 hours in the Big Apple get involved with three local gals. This was the first of the three musicals made by Gene Kelly and Stanley Donen for MGM and marked Kelly's succession as the number one star of Hollywood dance. [1 hr. 38 mins. 1949 Color] [Comments: There is also a Related Web page with more information on this film. PJC]
PENNIES FROM HEAVEN (1981) With drive and dexterity, Steve Martin triumphs as Arthur Parker, a Depression era sheet music salesman doomed forever to believe in the lyrics of the songs he sells. Though life steadily worsens for him and his schoolteacher mistress (Bernadette Peters), he goes on believing it's still just a bowl of cherries even when he's got nothing but the pits. Pauline Kael of the New Yorker said, "Extraordinary. The most emotional musical I've ever seen." Choreography by Danny Daniels featuring top notch numbers and an electrifying dance solo by Christopher Walken. [From video jacket] 1 hr. 48 mins., 1981 Color. [Comments: While this film is definitely a darkly moody musical, There are several great musical numbers. Christopher Walken does an amazing strip routine while tapping to "Let's Misbehave." The film also has Steve Martin and Bernadette Peters tapping in a big production number. PJC]
REBECCA OF SUNNYBROOK FARM (1938) It's not really based on the classic story, but this tale of a child's becoming a radio star is a must see for Shirley Temple fans. Little Shirley sings "Crackly Corn Flakes", "Old Straw Hat", and a medley that includes "Good Ship Lollipop." Also stars Randolph Scott, Jack Haley and Bill Robinson. One of four films featuring Shirley Temple and Bill "Bojangles" Robinson. 80 mins. (1938)
ROBERTA The lively dancing of Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers highlights this Jerome Kern Otto Harbach musical, set in Paris and featuring Irene Dunn and Randolph Scott. Look for an unknown Lucille Ball in the fashion show sequence! Score includes "Smoke Gets In Your Eyes," and "Lovely to Look At." 105 mins. (1935)
ROYAL WEDDING Fred Astaire and Jane Powell are a brother/sister team performing in England during Queen Elizabeth II's coronation and finding romance along the way. Includes the amazing sequence of Fred dancing on the walls and ceiling of his hotel room. This is the complete 93 min MGM print. (1951) [Comments: In addition to the scene with Fred dancing up the walls and across the ceiling he also tap dances with gym equipment including a hatrack. (PJC)]
SHALL WE DANCE A fine George Gershwin score that includes "Let's Call the Whole Thing Off" and "They All laughed" highlights this Astaire Rogers tale of a dancing duo who pretend to be newlyweds. 116 mins. (1937)
SINGIN' IN THE RAIN Gene Kelly, Debbie Reynolds and Donald O'Connor star in what is probably the most famous and best loved of all screen musicals. Set in Hollywood at the end of the silent era, the film features such classic numbers as "Make 'Em Laugh," "Broadway Ballet" and the title tune. Newly remastered version features the original recorded soundtrack, the theatrical trailer, rare outtakes, Reynolds' rendition of "You Are My Lucky Star" and original poster art packaging. 103 mins. (1952)
STAGE DOOR Classic comedy drama centers around lives of women in theatrical boarding house and their dreams of stardom. Katharine Hepburn, Ginger Rogers, Lucille Ball and Ann Miller head a top cast. 92 mins. (1937)
STEPPING OUT (1991) High stepping musical drama starring Liza Minnelli as a failed Broadway dancer who gives tap dance (and life) lessons to a group of people in and old church. The're put on the spot when asked to dance in a benefit, but the difficult practice sessions bring the troupe together. Shelly Winters, Ellen Greene, Julie Walters co star. 112 min. (1991).
STORMY WEATHER (1943) One of mainstream Hollywood's rare all black musicals, showcasing Bill "Bojangles" Robinson's dancing and Lena Horne's singing and a romantic subplot. Also features Fats Waller, Cab Calloway and his orchestra, the Nicholas Brothers and Dooley Wilson ("Casablanca.") 77 mins. (1943) [Comments: Minimal dancing by Bojangles, unfortunately. He has one number tapping across some drums. The Nicholas Brothers are amazing. Their portion includes running up the wall and landing in a split, furious tapping everywhere and leap frogging each other into splits coming down a set of huge stairs, all in tuxedos. This film is also great if you're a Lena Horne fan...(PJC)]
SWING TIME Delightful film features Fred and Ginger as a successful dance team whose budding romance is hampered by the girl Fred left back home (Betty Furness.) The Jerome Kern music includes "Pick Yourself Up" and "A Fine Romance." 103 mins. (1935)
TAP (1989) Gregory Hines, Sammy Davis, Jr. and some legendary hoofers star in a rousing dance showcase about a second generation tapper and paroled jewel thief who's torn between the stage an returning to his lavish life of crime. A throwback to those classic MGM musical, costarring Suzzanne Douglas. Choreography by Henry LeTang and Gregory Hines. Written and directed by Nick Castle. 115 mins. (1989)
[Comments: The sequence of tappers in the "Challenge" scene is: Arthur Duncan, Bunny Briggs, Jimmy Slyde, Steve Condos, Harold Nicholas, Sandman Sims and finally Sammy Davis, Jr. and Gregory Hines. The Shim Sham Girls in the nightclub scene are: Suzanne Douglas, Jane Goldberg, Dorothy Wasserman, Dianne Walker and Frances Neely. (PJC)]
TOP HAT What is arguably the best of the Astaire Rogers musicals features a classic Irving Berlin score, including "Cheek to Cheek" and "Isn't It A Lovely Day to Be Caught In the Rain?" Fred and Ginger at their graceful best. 97 mins. (1935)
WHITE CHRISTMAS Bing Crosby and Danny Kaye star as former Army buddies and Broadway producers who head to Vermont to a ski lodge run by their former CO. Rosemary Clooney and Vera Ellen also star. Irving Berlin score. 120 mins. (1954)
WHITE NIGHTS (1985) We have a film, we have an awesome film.
Mikhail Baryshnikov stars as a defected Soviet ballet star who is
recaptured when his plane crashes in Russia. Eager to escape to the
West, he plans a daring secape with an American dancer (Gregory Hines)
living in Russia. Costars Jerzy Skolimowski, Helen Mirren. 135 mins.
(1985)