Easter Parade (1948)
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89% of critics liked it
(19 reviews) -
83% of users liked it
(9,083 ratings)
Fred Astaire had announced his retirement before the cameras began to roll on Easter Parade, but he decided to accept the film's leading role when its original star Gene Kelly became incapacitated. The thinnish plot, which finds Astaire trying to turn chorus girl Judy Garland into a star in… More Fred Astaire had announced his retirement before the cameras began to roll on Easter Parade, but he decided to accept the film's leading role when its original star Gene Kelly became incapacitated. The thinnish plot, which finds Astaire trying to turn chorus girl Judy Garland into a star in order to show up his former partner Ann Miller, is hardly what keeps the audience's eyes riveted to the screen. All that truly matters are the 17 musical numbers, all written by Irving Berlin (ten were standards, while seven were new to this film). Among the many highlights are Astaire's slow-motion version of "Steppin' Out," the Astaire/Garland duet "We're a Couple of Swells," the opening rendition of "Happy Easter," and the closing performance of the title number. So successful was Easter Parade that plans were immediately drawn to reteam Fred Astaire and Judy Garland in The Barkeleys of Broadway; this time, however, it was Garland who withdrew, to be replaced by Astaire's most famous vis-à-vis, Ginger Rogers. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi
- Directed By
- Charles Walters
- Written By
- Frances Goodrich, Albert Hackett, Sidney Sheldon, Guy Bolton
- Genres
- Romance, Musical & Performing Arts, Classics
Unrated,
- In Theaters
- Jul 8, 1948 Wide
- Studio
- MGM Home Entertainment
Critic Reviews
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Variety Staff, Variety
Easter Parade is a musical with old and new Irving Berlin tunes and standout dance numbers.
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Thomas M. Pryor, New York Times
Easter Parade may not strike the perfect balance between song-dance interludes and story, but it's an appealing show just the same.
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Stephen Garrett, Time Out
Easter Parade is the sort of musical to put your feet up for.
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Douglas Pratt, Hollywood Reporter
A fantastic movie, featuring two of the finest motion picture performers ever, Astaire and Judy Garland, in their only cinematic pairing. Ann Miller also stars in there, too, to spice things up even more.
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Dave Kehr, Chicago Reader
The Irving Berlin score is bright, and Walters is one director who knows when to leave Astaire to his own devices.
See more critic ratings and reviews on Rotten Tomatoes
Fresh (60% or more critics rated the movie positively)
Rotten (59% or fewer critics rated the movie positively)
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Cast
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Judy Garland
as Hannah Brown
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Fred Astaire
as Don Hewes
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Peter Lawford
as Jonathan Harrow III
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Ann Miller
as Nadine Hale
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Jules Munshin
as Francois Headwaiter
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Clinton Sundberg
as Mike the Bartender
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Jeni Le Gon
as Essie
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Richard Beavers
as Singer
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Lola Albright
as Hat Model Showgirl
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Shirley Ballard
as Showgirl
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Jimmy Bates
as Boy in "Drum Crazy" Number
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Margaret Bert
as Florist
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Peter Chong
as Sam valet
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Ruth Hall
as Showgirl
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Helene Heigh
as Hat Shop Owner
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Doris Kemper
as Mary
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Joi Lansing
as Hat Model Showgirl
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Nolan Leary
as Drug Store Clerk
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Frank Mayo
as Headwaiter
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Howard Mitchell
as Drugstore Patron
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Robert E. O'Connor
as Policeman
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Albert Pollet
as Waiter
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Jeanne Romer
as "Delineator" Twin
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Lynn Romer
as "Delineator" Twin
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Ralph Sanford
as Hotel Detective
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Dee Turnell
as Dancer
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Benay Venuta
as Bar Patron
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Patricia Walker
as Showgirl
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Wilson Wood
as Marty Rehearsal Pianist
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Harry Fox
as Desk Clerk
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Sig Frohlich
as Callboy
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Fern Eggen
as Salesgirl
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Patricia Jackson
as Specialty Girl
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Bob Jellison
as Drugstore Customer
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Jimmy Dodd
as Cabby
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Dick Simmons
as Ziegfeld Aide
