Easter Parade (1948) Movie Reaction | FIRST TIME WATCHING | Film Commentary & Trivia

[@melenatorr]

Judy Garland was a quadriple treat/threat: she could sing, dance, act, tell stories, and catch on to just about anything first time around.

[@laurab68707]

I so enjoy your reactions to the older classic films and the trivia information. Keep up the great work.

[@Jeffreym36]

Judy's the most talented performer in show biz history! The fact that people like yourself are discovering her after all these years is a testament to her magic. You should watch her final film at MGM, "Sumner Stock". Her television series is also wonderful. It shows a "grown-up" Judy, in her element as a concert performer. Thanks for the great video!

[@ronaldyankovich8363]

Residents of New York City still parade on Easter Sunday showing off their fancy hats and costumes.

[@MoviesWithMarty]

That's so wonderful! I'd love to see that some time, as I'm sure it's stunning to see. Honestly, more should do it. The UK doesn't seem to do things like that unfortunately. Thank you for letting me know Ronald, Happy Easter. I hope you're well and thank you for watching!

[@patricebetts6531]

Someone may have already mentioned that Johnny is played by Peter Lawford who was married to President Kennedy’s sister and was part of the rat pack. He also had problems with addictions unfortunately. I’ve always liked him he’s talented and handsome.

[@justinplayfair9827]

This movie was supposed to be directed by her then husband, Vincente Minnelli, but their relationship had taken a turn after the failure of their previous film "The Pirate", so he was replaced by Charles Walters. And her co-star was supposed to be Gene Kelly, but he had broken his ankle playing a rough game of touch football one weekend and Astaire came out of "retirement" to be in this picture.

[@melenatorr]

The waiter is wonderful comedian Jules Munshin, who acted alongside Gene Kelly and Frank SInatra in two movies: "On the Town" (also with Ann Miller) and "Take me Out to the BallGame". And he acted in support of Astaire in "Silk Stockings", which is a musical remake you must see after you've seen "Ninotchka", the source of the musical. Munshin was fun, sweet, a little dorky, and a great third party.

[@joel65913]

Because her singing talent was so great it's often forgotten that Judy was quite an accomplished dancer. Fred Astaire said she was the quickest study he'd ever worked with, running through a dance number once and having it down cold. Apparently she could do the same with a song. Unfortunately she was in pretty rough shape emotionally by this point and while she completed this film without too much difficulty it was almost the end of the line for her at MGM. She started a few projects including two planned reunions with Fred Astaire-The Barkleys of Broadway (completed by Ginger Rogers) and Royal Wedding (she was supposed to step in for a pregnant June Allyson but when she had a breakdown Jane Powell replaced her)-but only completed two more films (and a cameo appearance) over the next couple of years before being dismissed because of problems the studio was greatly responsible for creating. Once she had left the studio and turned her focus to live performance she adopted the tramp costume she wears here as part of her stage act and often would close her shows dressed that way sitting on the edge of the proscenium to perform Somewhere Over the Rainbow.

[@robincochran7369]

I think her last film for MGM was Summer Stock with Gene Kelly in 1950.

[@simondesbiens2463]

God I love Judy Garland please watch meet me in St. Louis

[@psychoween]

You mentioned the fact that that many dances were in single shots. Fred Astaire was once quoted as telling a director that either he was going to dance, OR the camera was. He didn't like the multi cut, camera movement dances of Busby Burkley. In a single wide shot, you can appreciate the dancers skills.

[@jkpole]

SUCH JOY and GREAT MUSIC with soooooooooooooooo FANTABULOUS STARS...... IT is LIKE CHRISTMAS

[@billverno6170]

It’s more of a square than a triangle. Hannah likes Don. Don likes Nadine. Nadine likes Johnny. Johnny likes Hannah.

[@HuntingViolets]

Or a circle,

[@parsifal40002]

Fred Astaire and Ginger Rodgers were the best tap dance team ever. Ann Miller was no slouch either. She was great in this movie.

[@shelleys9603]

Very fun reaction! You have to see Meet Me in Saint Louis. It's Judy Garland's second best movie after The Wizard of Oz. You would love it.

[@phemyda94]

It says a lot about Judy Garland's charisma that even when she performs with Fred freakin' Astaire, you can't take your eyes off of her

[@mckeldin1961]

Thoroughly enjoyed your reaction! An Easter staple in my family (we watched it yesterday as a matter of fact). Glad that you enjoyed Jules Munshin as much as I do, so many people who otherwise enjoy the movie single him out as annoying... not to me! I would love to see your reaction to ON THE TOWN. It has an interesting history: it was based on a successful 1944 Broadway musical with a score by a young Leonard Bernstein, but when the film was made MGM thought the score was too "high-brow" for movie audiences, so they only kept two of the original songs and two of the dance pieces that Bernstein composed. They brought in Roger Edens to write much lighter melodies for the rest of the movie (with lyrics by Comden and Green who had also worked on the stage show). Nevertheless, the movie version is entirely entertaining, and as a piece of cinema, it's tops!

[@JHowesitgoing123]

Seconding the suggestion to watch "Meet Me in St. Louis" if you want to see more Judy Garland. It's a staple around Christmas in my family.

[@wolfgangwolf6060]

The 5th Avenue Easter Parade and Bonnet Festival is still a thing in New York City.

[@cliffchristie5865]

I just saw some news footage of the latest Easter parade. I prefer the movie version.

[@wolfgangwolf6060]

@@cliffchristie5865 I do to.

[@wolfgangwolf6060]

@@cliffchristie5865 I do to.

[@HuntingViolets]

Nadine is the great Ann Miller, who is also memorable in _Kiss Me, Kate,_ a musical version of _The Taming of the Shrew._ Too bad she was never the leading lady for Astaire.

[@OceanKingNY]

Fred & Judy's dance at 14:40, with Judy's dress dropping lint everywhere, was probably an inside joke. Fred's classic 1935 dance, "Cheek to Cheek," with partner Ginger Rogers, featured a dress like that, and Fred HATED it. Between takes, the stagehands had to sweep up the floor, and Wardrobe had to brush the lint off of Fred's tuxedo. But Ginger loved the dress, so it stayed in the film. kzbin.info/www/bejne/hmLYY3pna8uklbs (EDIT: Sorry, I see that you discussed this at the end of your reaction. I posted too soon!)

[@TedLittle-yp7uj]

The magazine cover trope was used previously by Columbia in "Cover Girl" (1944) starring Rita Hayworth and Gene Kelly with songs by Jerome Kern. Regarding Kelly and Garland doing several movies together: the actors were under contract to the studios so, if they were popular together, they were often paired repeatedly. Famous pairings, among many others, include: William Powell and Myrna Loy, Clark Gable and Joan Crawford, Cary Grant and Irene Dunne, Errol Flynn and Olivia De Havilland, and of course, Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers.

[@MaD-gs9qx]

I recommend her version of "A Star Is Born." It's by far the best one of the 5. Enjoy!

[@Muirmaiden]

Marty, some of those 1940s hats were wild! You can't go wrong with Fred Astaire and Judy Garland in musicals, and the Techincolor is a special treat!

[@cosygracegames]

This is perfection! I was just watching Easter parade for the hundredth time and thinking Fred Astaire is so amazing in this, i wish I could see someone’s reaction to this lovely film! Hope more people watch this gem!🌸

[@shadowchateau]

Look at the lines in Judy's forehead in "Better Luck Next Time" (at the bar), and she was only 25 (26 when the film was released). She had a hard life.

[@yournamehere6002]

Gene Kelly and Judy Garland also did SUMMER STOCK together

[@Dej24601]

Such fun! For some other productions that are sublime examples of 3-strip Technicolor, recommended are: The Red Shoes or Black Narcissus from the Powell/Pressburger team; The Adventures of Robin Hood (1938) one of the early Technicolor films; Meet Me in St. Louis (a Minnelli/Garland collaboration); Vertigo (Hitchcock); Auntie Mame (1958.) (You’ve already enjoyed Singin’ In The Rain and Wizard of Oz.) With proper restoration, conservation, and storage or maintenance, Technicolor has the staying power of quality and adaptability that is far beyond current film techniques, film stock or digital productions.

[@swordforjustice]

The Easter Parade this film gets its title from is a real thing. Since late Victorian/early Edwardian times, the Easter Parade happens on Easter up Fifth Avenue to show off people’s best Easter clothes and hats. It still happens now. It originally was done by the wealthy who lived on Fifth Avenue, but normalized to every status of people.

[@garybassin1651]

STEPPIN' OUT WITH MY BABY was done in a very light kind of blackface. It was almost mulatto in appearance. The setting of the number was supposed to suggest a New Orleans honky-tonk.

[@tierneybeckett]

On The Town is a fantastic film and it has my favorite of Ann Miller's dance number. It might be because of her costume in the number, but it's a great dance to watch regardless. I hope you react to it.

[@lyndonjames8607]

Loved this! Thank you. Your commentary is a terrific balance between your insights and our opportunity to view the footage you’re talking about. It’s been years since I last viewed “Easter Patade” and I appreciated the background information you shared afterwards. This is the first one of your videos I’ve watched and have now subscribed. (Can’t wait for you to do “On The Town”.)

[@erikagholston6610]

This is one of my favorite classic films. Thanks for sharing it with me this Easter.

[@larasemerad2605]

My favorite movie Easter parade-great dance and music.

[@SueProv]

This is probably Carribean. We're a Couple of swells. Astaire barely had a tie askew and came to Judy's dressing room and ask what she thought. She had her teeth blacked and crazy clothes and knocked on his door and asked what he thought. Obviously he took th hint with the costume as tramps.

[@wendellnelson1118]

Enjoyed this reaction very much. So much that I'd like to see your reaction to Judy's " A Star is Born" . The most talked about, discussed, written about, movie of her career. The most controversial oscar win of all time. First movie restored and shown again as a first run movie and ran for months. Thanks

[@cliffchristie5865]

It's easy to miss, but you only need to look at an image of a poster for these films to see what they all have in common - the title, as we tend to think of it, is always preceded by his name. "Irving Berlin's Easter Parade", "Irving Berlin's White Christmas", and so on. Jules Munshin is also pretty good in "Take Me Out To The Ball Game" - again with Gene Kelly and Frank Sinatra.

[@comedygirl26]

Fred's role was intended for Gene Kelly who broke his ankle before filming. and Anne Miller was dancing with a back injury.

[@isoldejaneholland8370]

The gag about the woman walking down the street making a grotesque face to attract the glances of male passers-by was actually from the 1920 silent comedy Remodelong her husband. Dorothy Gish played the girl, and her sister Lillian directed. You'd be surprised how much modern comedy is from some ancient silent film. I saw a Modern Family scene where Claire stepped on a rake, and the handle flew up and hit her in the face. An identical gag is seen in a silent short from 1897!!

[@robincochran7369]

Harpo Marx did a similar face know as a "gookie".

[@wolfgangwolf6060]

I never saw this as a blackface number until you brought it up. Now I can't unsee it. It reminds me of the make-up that was used on Ava Gardner in the movie "Showboat." The shade was named "light Egyptian." Lena Horne (an African-American) was considered for the role but it was given to Ava Gardner. Lena and Ava were close friends. Lena Horne relates this story in the video of her stage show "The Lady and Her Music."

[@Glittersword]

To me it looks like a club in the Caribbean and all the performers were made up as if they had tans.

[@denysejohnson3352]

Have you watched "Meet Me in St. Louis" great musical! I watch it every holiday season

[@gmunden1]

Most cities celebrated Easter Sunday with an Easter Parade after church service, hence the song "Easter Parade." It was traditionally held in the afternoon with traditional Sunday hats. The trend changed in some cities where the hata/bonnets became over-the-top bizarre hats made by the wearers. In Philadelphia, the Easter parade was held on Rittenhouse Square with a contest for the best bonnet. There was a panel of judges and a prize given to the winner.

[@thomastimlin1724]

A great gag would gave been around 17 min in when everyone was coming our the restaurant into the rain, to have Gene Kelly go dancing by on the sidewalk, singing in the rain. But this was before the movie Singing in the Rain was even an idea. Brush up on your movie stars, Ann Miller was a top notch dancer and actress, and Peter Lawford, from London was a big star who married President Kennedy's sister Patricia.

[@SueProv]

Marty, I suggested this movie to you months ago and over a year ago Marty. I celebrate Easter religious ways and also like this. Spiritual is the foundation but I love the friends family and Candy. Also old movies. I was wondering if you enjoyed it.

[@MoviesWithMarty]

Hi Sue! Happy Easter! You certainly did, as this was your suggestion, alongside a few other people. Thank you so much for it. I thought it would be great to do for an Easter video, due to the theme. If you meant "Marty" the film, that one is coming up as the next film reaction. I'd not realised Easter was coming up so quick, as Marty was originally lined up. Apologies it took so long to get to though. It's lovely that you celebrate Easter in many ways. I do too, especially with friends, family and the sweets is a bonus along the way. Oh yes, you've got to have an old film or two in there! Yeah, I most definitely enjoyed it. Such a wonderful film, thank you so much! I hope you enjoy my reaction to it as well. You're a star for suggesting this! At the start, I say "requested", but I meant "suggested and requested". Take care!

[@SueProv]

@@MoviesWithMarty Marty. I LOVED your reactions. I'm old enough to be your mom. You are fun and very insightful. Thank you for your time and talent. I've liked these old movies since the 70s as a young child. You're the best

[@douglascollier7767]

Happy Easter 🎉

[@cliffchristie5865]

Also, sorry about the colorblind thing. Just as real life is in full color, Technicolor is heightened version of that. It's a shame to miss out.

[@HuntingViolets]

She's not leaving with Don (Astaire) to go on tour.

[@frankiebowie6174]

As an excellent dancer with a world class sense of humor, Judy must’ve had a ball playing a novice who couldn’t dance. PS: “Oh no, they’re not going to get together,” is everybody’s reaction to boring old Peter Lawford. 😂

[@donburks4464]

seen a vlog of New York Easter Bonnet festival is Wow of the creative of bonnets come up with

[@HuntingViolets]

Yeah, they liked to use color for the musicals.

[@robincochran7369]

If you want to see fast tapping and twirling, check out Eleanor Powell. She may not have had the acting and singing ability of Ann Miller but she was an influence dance wise on Ann and despite the limits on her acting and singing still came off as charming. Eleanor would costar with Fred Astaire in the 1940 movie Broadway Melody.

[@PerryCJamesUK]

"I could say that about every women in 50s films..." "I don't know about that one," Yes you wrote that you meant the hat but that was a really funny line. Could have been in I'm Alan Partridge or similar hehehehe

[@MoviesWithMarty]

Haha, yes! 😅 It really could have been a Partridge moment. When watching it back in edit, it made me chuckle at the timing. Thanks for watching Perry and I'm glad it gave you a laugh

[@HuntingViolets]

Astaire choreographs.

[@craigcurtis5965]

Definitely brown face. Look at the costumes around him. ❤

[@auntvesuvi3872]

Thanks, Marty! 🐇 Cheers to director Charles Walters.

[@bonitaburroughs8673]

Meet Me In St Louis is a good Garland film

[@RichardBrennan]

Yes, "Steppin' Out" was in blackface - sort of. It was a transitional period - if you go back and watch Judy Garland and Mickey Rooney in "Babes in Arms" (1939) they do a minstrel number completely in blackface - with pickaninny wigs and everything. Here, it was more of a dark brown which did two things: it gave them deniability with progressive audiences that this was indeed blackface, and in the South it would still read as blackface so there would be no objection to the black dancers that were used. There were trying to have their cake and eat it. By the time you get to "White Christmas" in 1954, the minstrel number there ("Mandy") was done with no blackface at all.

[@jkpole]

HAPPY EASTER

[@195511SM]

Have you seen 'Three Little Words' with RED Skelton & Fred Astaire?

[@jeffmartin1026]

lol - I just watched this yesterday for the first time! A bit heavy on the song/dance sequences and a bit light on the characters/development. Peter Lawford having a song is a bit out of character for him, interesting to see. The racoon coat was a fashion fad on college campuses of the time era. The waiter stole the show for me. The slow-mo dancing in front of the real -time dancers is still amazing. Vincente and Judy were going through a bad stretch in their marriage which was the reason for not working together on this film.

[@HuntingViolets]

Is she ambidextrous? Can she remember which hand she writes with? Can she get a ring?

[@dmnemaine]

"Steppin' Out With My Baby" was what would have been called a "Negro song" at the time, so you were correct about the "light blackface" used for the number. By the end of WWII, there were the beginning glimmers of the Civil Rights era. and things like minstrelsy and blackface were starting to be looked on as racist and unacceptable. This type of "light blackface" was an attempt to straddle the fence on the issue.

[@billverno6170]

Not blackface. Fred wore a lot of makeup.

[@marlasotherchannel9847]

Hi Marty! This is only your second Garland movie? Egad! Should you watch "On the Town"? Un, yes! You can go way, way back with great musicals and not just MGM musicals. On a different note, do you do the zoom-ins to help hide the film from YT sensors? If so, great. I find them very distracting, just my opinion. Otherwise, great work as always! ❤❤

[@RichardBrennan]

Side note - This was Judy's most commercially successful picture and made her one of the top stars at the studio. Unfortunately, she was at the end of her rope regarding her mental health, and she was only able to complete two minor musicals afterward. She had to be replaced in three major films: Annie Get Your Gun, The Barkelys of Broadway, and Royal Wedding. MGM terminated her contract, and at 28 she had no career. But she would stage a comeback numerous time - on the concert stage, back into movies, and on television.

[@rah62]

"A Star Is Born" is not a "minor musical".

[@juneseghni]

I don't know why they used so much rouge on Anne Miller.

[@Mike8981]

Good work but a little bit less commentary

[@cliffchristie5865]

99 times out of 100, the musical numbers were performed and lip-synced to a pre-recorded playback. ( And very often, irrespective of what kind of shoes they seem to be wearing, the sound of tapping shoes was added in post-production).

[@HuntingViolets]

They changed Judy Garland's name too. She was Frances Gumm. Yeah, that's blackface. It wouldn't be too hard to digitally remove it (I know I'll anger some people for saying that) because it is lighter than usual. It won't be the last time you'll see Astaire in blackface, unfortunately.

[@robincochran7369]

Swingtime,1936.

[@auntvesuvi3872]

Yes, it's a light blackface. It wasn't seen as offensive then, as I'm sure you know. Alas, it's like peering back in time.

[@bozbyron]

her eyes are a very dark briown eyes almost as black as her pupils

[@Beenthere61]

Bing Crosby did that in Holiday Inn I am surprised they have not taken that seen out, being that it is extremely racist ……

[@auntvesuvi3872]

By the way, that long fur coat was popular with male college students in the 1920s. It's raccoon. 🦝

[@laurab68707]

I so enjoy your reactions to the older classic films and the trivia information. Keep up the great work.