The Band Wagon

1953
Approved
1h 52m

IMDb RATING

7.4/10

13K

YOUR RATING

Fred Astaire and Cyd Charisse in The Band Wagon (1953)

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99+ Photos

Classic Musical Romantic Comedy Comedy Musical Romance

An aging movie star uncertain of his future teams up with a top ballerina to headline a new Broadway musical, but the pretentiously artistic goals of its director threaten to change it beyon... Read allAn aging movie star uncertain of his future teams up with a top ballerina to headline a new Broadway musical, but the pretentiously artistic goals of its director threaten to change it beyond recognition.An aging movie star uncertain of his future teams up with a top ballerina to headline a new Broadway musical, but the pretentiously artistic goals of its director threaten to change it beyond recognition.

See production info at IMDbPro

IMDb RATING

7.4/10

13K

YOUR RATING

See production info at IMDbPro

Nominated for 3 Oscars
- 2 wins & 4 nominations total

Gabrielle Gerard
(singing voice)
(uncredited)

Fred Aldrich

Hot Dog Vendor
(uncredited)

Richard Alexander

Stagehand
(uncredited)

Ernest Anderson

Train Porter
(uncredited)

Barbara Bailey

Dancer
(uncredited)

Patsy Bangs

Dancer
(uncredited)

Lysa Baugher

Dancer in Troupe
(uncredited)

Mary Bayless

Theatre Patron
(uncredited)

Brandon Beach

Auction Guest
(uncredited)

Ralph Beaumont

Dancer in Troupe
(uncredited)

Don Beddoe

Producer
(uncredited)

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Storyline

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Did you know

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Trivia
In the DVD bonus features, Nanette Fabray stated that Oscar Levant was difficult to work with. Whenever something would go wrong or he would make a mistake, he would blame whoever was around. This included stage hands, other actors, lighting technicians, or whoever was handy. She said that, since she was usually closest, she caught the brunt of it. Following a botched take, he again blamed her for something. She lost her temper and told him off using unladylike language. Everyone on the set applauded. After that, he was much easier to work with.

Goofs
At the New York opening night, the theater name on the marquee is Alcott Theatre, but the program cover has Stratton Theatre.

Quotes
Gabrielle Gerard: Oh, that's a very early Degas, isn't it?
[examines painting]
Gabrielle Gerard: 1877.
Tony Hunter: [playing up their age difference] Yeah, I swiped it from his desk in school. Was he sore.

Alternate versions
There is an Italian edition of this film on DVD, distributed by DNA srl, "THE BAND WAGON (Spettacolo di varietà, 1953) - New Widescreen Edition + IL SIGNORE IN MARSINA (1943)" (2 Films on a single DVD, with "The Band Wagon" in double version 1.33:1 and 1.78:1), re-edited with the contribution of film historian Riccardo Cusin. This version is also available for streaming on some platforms.

Connections
Edited into Hollywood: The Dream Factory (1972)

Soundtracks
By Myself
(1937) (uncredited)
Music by Arthur Schwartz
Lyrics by Howard Dietz
Performed by Fred Astaire twice

User reviews132

Review

Featured review

Cyd Charisse rules

Stunning musical about fading star Fred Astaire making stage comeback with the help of friends Oscar Levant and Nanette Fabares. Jack Buchanon is fun as hammy stage actor who teams up with the group. Cyd joins in as haughty ballerina. The songs are first rate. Fred's solos and the girl hunt ballet are good but I prefer the romantic Dancing in the Dark number. The other highlight is Fred cheering up the cast after the first night flops.This was the film that introduced That's Entertainment. It is given a joyous presentation as Jack Buchanon explains what the job of show business is all about.The color is stunning,costumes great,set design good.Surprisingly Cyd's big solo "Two-faced Woman" was cut. It was shown on TCM.