The Band Wagon poster
Review

The Band Wagon 1953

Directed by Vincente Minnelli · 112 mins · 2,122 views

3.9 Letterboxd 3.83(21,397)
Ratings A H R T A S N L T J

Synopsis

A Broadway artiste turns a faded film star's comeback vehicle into an artsy flop.

Trailers

Reviews (155)

  1. A
    alexgiu 8 月 23, 2026

    Fred Astaire said “middle-aged crisis” and then pirouetted out of it.

    132
  2. H
    Holli 8 月 23, 2026

    brian de palma watched this movie, heard the characters say a faust musical couldn’t be entertaining, and took it as a challenge

    180
  3. R
    Rizki 8 月 23, 2026

    Simply put, The Band Wagon is a love letter to both Hollywood and Broadway, written with a Technicolor pen. Its alphabet is the score of the great composer Arthur Schwartz, paired with Howard Dietz’s lyrics. It appeals not only to the ear but also to the eye, thanks to Minnelli’s direction. In many ways, it’s even more enjoyable than An American in Paris — or rather, more enjoyable to make. You can just tell that the director had as much fun making the film as the actors had starring in it, and that’s the secret ingredient. Minnelli wasn’t just a talented director — he went so far as to direct an actor playing a director directing people. That’s not just…

    121 5
  4. T
    theriverjordan 8 月 23, 2026

    “The Band Wagon” is a multicolored glimmering gem of Hollywood musicals, and proof that an old dog can still teach some new tricks. That old dog – Fred Astaire; well into his 50s when “The Band Wagon” was filmed. A solidified icon of cinema by that point, Astaire could have hitched a ride on “Band Wagon’s” backseat of nostalgia and eased his way into retirement. Thank goodness Fred Astaire was never one to take a vacation day. Far from sliding along on “Band Wagon’s” luscious production value and talented bonanza of a supporting cast, Astaire threw his top hat away and jumped into the ring to throw kicks like he was at the ripe age of 18. Directed by the…

    180 15
  5. A
    Alyssa Heflin 8 月 23, 2026

    Hearing the distress in my fiancé’s voice when she yelled “what is this show ABOUT” after the toddler number……haven’t had a laugh that good in a long while.

    165
  6. S
    Sally Jane Black 8 月 23, 2026

    The reviews were correct: the “Triplets” song is disturbing. And the “Shoe Shine” song… well, the Hollywood practice of casting black performers in service roles combined with the racial stereotyping leaves a sour taste in the eyes. It weakens a movie otherwise rich with movement and color (honestly the black suits with the colorful shirts in the speakeasy scene… why does that look so good?), sweet and funny, and starring two paragons of dance. This is why classic Hollywood has to be deeply critically appreciated if it’s appreciated at all.

    155
  7. N
    n𖦹℮m¡ 8 月 23, 2026

    2h of old washed up dude being rude and weird to cute talented dancer

    184
  8. L
    Logan Kenny 8 月 23, 2026

    the Triplets number is straight up one of the most terrifying sequences I’ve ever seen in a movie. rest of this thing is overwhelmingly delightful! I love Fred Astaire!

    533 4
  9. T
    theironcupcake 8 月 23, 2026

    “I’m sick of these artificial barriers between the musical and the drama! In my mind, there is no difference between the magic rhythms of Bill Shakespeare’s immortal verse and the magic rhythms of Bill Robinson’s immortal feet… I tell you, if it moves you, if it stimulates you, if it entertains you, it’s theater. When the right combination gets together and it spells ‘theater,’ well, I got to be right in there up to my armpits.” “That’s higher than usual!” I finally figured out what would have made Hard Target a five-star film: it was missing the “Louisiana Hayride” musical number! That’s just completely normal behavior in the South, right? After revisiting The Young Girls of Rochefort, I’ve been mulling…

    130 18
  10. J
    Jake Cole 8 月 23, 2026

    Like Astaire, it moves a bit slow; age has caught up with him. And yet, it hasn’t, for he is still lighter than air and 10x better than you’ll ever be. Around him, the production inflates until the borders of the theater force its implosion. From the wreckage, cinema is born.

    301 1
  11. A
    André G. 🇵🇹 8 月 23, 2026

    The Band Wagon is a musical directed by Vincente Minnelli and starring Fred Astaire alongside Cyd Charisse. Astaire plays Tony Hunter, a fading Hollywood star whose career is on the decline. He heads back to New York to star in a new Broadway musical written by his friends but a pretentious, avant-garde director tries to turn their lighthearted comedy into a dark, heavy, Faustian tragedy. To make matters more tense, Tony is paired with a rising, much younger prima ballerina, Gabrielle Gerard, and the two clash instantly over their different dance styles. What starts as backstage chaos with clashing egos and disastrous out-of-town tryouts, blossoms into pure joy with memorable songs and dance numbers. Astaire and Charisse’s “Dancing in the…

    181
  12. A
    Anna Imhof 🌸 8 月 23, 2026

    This might seem overly emotional, but tonight I cried for like half an hour over something that I have seen hundreds of times, and that’s exactly why I cried: Because I still can’t believe how amazing it is, when really I should be used to it by now, and it fills me with such profound love and moves me to such a degree that I cannot express myself any other way than with tears. I believe that we are all alone in our pain as well as in our joys, so I understand that my words here are futile, but I still wanted to share this with anyone who cares: Dancing in the Dark, without a doubt the most romantic of the Astaire dances, and one of the most beautiful moments ever captured on film. If perfection exists, you too might find it here.

    343 34
  13. C
    Chrysan 8 月 20, 2026

    The baby thing isn’t that bad you guys lighten up a little, have fun, stop being BABIES hahahahhaa I crack myself up Anyways yeah good movie

    5
  14. M
    miffygirlcity 8 月 20, 2026

    This is like my fourth attempt of trying to watch this movie 😭😭 i think vincente minnelli films r simply not for me …… i thought the buildup took so long but i enjoyed it . Cyd charisse dancing is so beautiful

    1
  15. J
    Julia 8 月 20, 2026

    Cyd Charisse is a cutie patootie

    3
  16. G
    goaf 8 月 19, 2026

    dance on air

    1
  17. H
    hannah 8 月 19, 2026

    i love getting slapped in the face with color with every frame.

    5
  18. M
    marias_nugget 8 月 19, 2026

    #FredAstaireNation

    1
  19. C
    C. Smithy 8 月 19, 2026

    A really witty and funny examination of the creative process and development of a massive project with tons of people. The shoe shine and murder mystery scenes/numbers are some of the greatest moments in American filmmaking of all time.

    1
  20. I
    itssmarti 8 月 19, 2026

    dude what was their “good” show about?!?! sure the logistics of the last number make no sense on a stage, but visually it’s 😍😍😍

    1
  21. T
    tat 8 月 19, 2026

    beautiful colors and Fred Astaire. what more can you ask for!

    1
  22. D
    Dylan Arndt 8 月 19, 2026

    Insanely beautiful dancer and Fred Astaire playing himself star in an incredibly disconnected musical with the best set pieces you’ve ever seen!

    2
  23. D
    Dave Eckhardt 8 月 18, 2026

    Really enjoyed “I Love Louisa” even though it should have been titled “I Love Beer.” The “Triplets” number is pure bonkers. I’d only ever seen Cyd Charisse in Singin’ in the Rain, so what a treat to get so much more of her.

    1
  24. C
    Chris Mich 8 月 18, 2026

    One of the movies of all time.

  25. B
    Bente 8 月 18, 2026

    This might be Fred Astaire his best movie yet (ofc from what i have seen)

  26. T
    trevor 8 月 18, 2026

    What the best Golden Age musicals lack in actual story is a clear emotional/romantic through line which ties everything together. This one didn’t really have that for me so I didn’t GAF outside a handful of musical numbers, but even then only like two really matched the heights of Singin’ or even Minelli’s other films like Meet Me in St. Louis.

    1
  27. T
    TiGer-Biber 8 月 17, 2026

    Die Rollenverteilung zwischen alterndem, schwächelndem und von Selbstzweifeln geplagtem Mann und junger, kraftvoller Tänzerin scheint zunächst sehr modern. Leider bekommt Fred Astaire dann aber seinen Arc zum unterhaltungskünstlerischem Kraftzentrum und Macher. Die Unmotiviertheit, mit der das Hollywood Ende an den Schluss geklatscht wird, hat aber schon fast wieder etwas Subversives. Ich hätte auf jeden Fall gerne mehr Ballett gesehen.

  28. M
    meganpenn 8 月 17, 2026

    Celluloid bless you, Old Hollywood. You’re too pure for the world.

    1
  29. A
    AC 8 月 17, 2026

    much like the show inside this show, when its great its phenomenal, but when it drags its unbearable its always funny to me to watch what’s supposed to be a diagenic stage play use uniquely movie tricks (voice over, hard cuts, screen spins), just kinda funny also what in the entire hell was that triplet scene

    1
  30. E
    Evren 8 月 16, 2026

    Beautiful gowns and incredible dance numbers. Otherwise, it’s dreadfully boring. I was so excited to finish this. I genuinely don’t understand how they could make a script so dull, not to mention Astaire’s and the entire cast’s weird shitty acting. You will never be Singin’ in the Rain! Maybe I just don’t like musicals

    3
  31. _
    _adeline_ivey 8 月 16, 2026

    I don’t think you heard him he got a SHOE. SHINE.

  32. Z
    Zac 8 月 16, 2026

    Directors Odyssey 33. Vincente Minnelli 015 “Here, have an exploding cigar.” Fred Astaire plays aging Broadway star Tony Hunter, essentially holding a mirror to his own career and faded popularity in Hollywood. The movie opens on a shot of a cane and a top hat going up for auction, and it doesn’t take long for us to make the necessary connections. So we follow Tony’s upward climb back into the spotlight just as the film follows Astaire’s, and at once…

    1
  33. S
    ScooterMovies70 8 月 16, 2026

    6.7/10 Fred Astaire and Cyd Charisse shine in an uneven film

  34. C
    cinemaharlot 8 月 16, 2026

    Looooooved Fred Astaire, Cyd Charisse, the songs, the dancing—just pure old-school movie magic

    1
  35. H
    Hammond Sherouse 8 月 16, 2026

    That’s entertainment! Devolves into a sort of “MGMslop” in the last act, but before then it’s a perfect execution of genre tropes with a surprising maturity and a tasteful self-awareness. Eight stars out of ten!

    1
  36. L
    lily 8 月 15, 2026

    Cyd Charisse you deserved so much more

    1
  37. M
    Michele 8 月 15, 2026

    Let’s bring back musicals

    4
  38. K
    kailee 8 月 15, 2026

    Incredible moments like the dance in Central Park but I wish it had a better composer/songwriter

    1
  39. E
    Emily 8 月 15, 2026

    how I wish I had a gun… a wittle gun

    1
  40. A
    Aly 8 月 15, 2026

    I LOVE TECHNICOLOR I mourn it more than some of my family members. This movie brought out my inner theater kid, I was smiling the whole time. We need to start dressing like this again!!!!!

    1
  41. S
    Simlepapillion 8 月 15, 2026

    C’est singing in the rain mais avec des vieux riches qui ont des problèmes de vieux riches

  42. N
    Nadia 8 月 15, 2026

    The acting was not the best but Ohhh wow the costumes, truly beautiful!!!

    1
  43. D
    devparfait 8 月 15, 2026

    The story is kind of lacking and not all of the musical numbers hit super well, but the production and art design is very well done and Fred can dance up a storm!

    1
  44. L
    LiamMcKeever 8 月 14, 2026

    Probably my biggest pet peeve about musicals, especially older ones, is when they realize they don’t have enough numbers to pad out the runtime, so they throw in a bunch of songs completely irrelevant to the story subject matter and themes. Like, why are we listening to a song about the rejuvenating power of having your shoes polished by a Negro, or how tasty beer is? Or some drivel about triplets getting measles? Total nonsense. The noir-y, extended detective segment is pretty good, though, very creatively done, and at least somewhat set up beforehand.

    1
  45. F
    fibonaccigirl 8 月 14, 2026

    Wow this movie tried to do it all… The first half was slow and a bit drawn out, but the second half had some numbers that were so beautiful that I felt fully immersed in the lush & colorful MGM Technicolor musical world. One of my favorite stylistic bits from the dance movie musical era is the part where they just let the plot go of the rails for a little bit in the third act with a 10-15 min uninterrupted…

    2
  46. C
    colin 8 月 14, 2026

    the number about beer was beautiful

    1
  47. L
    Lola ☆ 8 月 13, 2026

    Was having a lot of fun until I fell asleep 🙁 The ballet sequence was just gorgeous tho

    9
  48. M
    marianaaapr 8 月 13, 2026

    every dance number is basically two people casually redefining what “smooth” means

    1
  49. B
    bannanie 8 月 13, 2026

    Tonally decadent, dazzlingly performed. Visual high art.

    1
  50. C
    claire 8 月 13, 2026

    long live the theater but so help me if i go to a show and there’s a 15 minute cutaway murder mystery dream ballet! led with my second favorite trope (strangers talking shit about a person who happens to be in their midst). low key blue moon core. many of my friends will like the number triplets (song about wanting to have a gun.) now that i have somewhere to live i gotta get back in tap class

    1
  51. H
    hart 8 月 13, 2026

    watched across like four sittings, so admittedly an episodic rather than cinematic xp. cyd charisse is lovely to watch. all the songs were bad

    1
  52. G
    giddyface 8 月 12, 2026

    “Oh look! Trees!”

    3
  53. K
    kaseyycap 8 月 12, 2026

    The Central Park dance…now that was entertainment. An enjoyable musical with catchy numbers and choreography. If you are into musicals this is definitely a must watch. (MSFS: 46/85)

    1
  54. R
    ritaesther 8 月 11, 2026

    “Singin’ in the Rain” but make it about theater.

    1
  55. M
    Mowpiper33 8 月 11, 2026

    Tony hunter 1953! Love Fred Astaire being meta even if he was never as much of a flop as Tony at the start

  56. X
    X A N D E R 8 月 11, 2026

    THAT’S ENTERTAINMENT 🔥

  57. 𝒢
    𝒢 8 月 11, 2026

    nothing will ever compare to the beauty of a technicolor film like this and its gorgeous dance sequences! ٩(ˋᗣˊ*)و

    5
  58. T
    TimesTwoRoman 8 月 11, 2026

    Oh, how beautiful this looks, I loved it!

    1
  59. P
    pumpkinleg 8 月 11, 2026

    Yes OK I watched this again! This time I was really struck by Astaire and Cyd Charisse’s dance in the park, I think that’s the best sequence in the picture. The costuming is great too, she’s in a soft flowing white dress with a string of pearls, and he’s wearing a pale yellow shirt with a crisp tan jacket. He blends with the hotel room, which is decorated in shades of eggshell, ivory, cream, vanilla, and champagne, and when they’re…

    2
  60. S
    sam 8 月 11, 2026

    i like when these movies just start becoming totally other movies at the end. best part of this, which is pleasant but largely forgettable

    1
  61. C
    carm_lla 8 月 11, 2026

    we all pitched and bought you… nothing

    1
  62. B
    beartibbies 8 月 11, 2026

    this is how i imagine the slc theatre department

    1
  63. A
    Amanda 击̸☽☾ 8 月 11, 2026

    There’s just something about Vincente Minnelli films that make me so inexplicably happy!!!

    45
  64. ☆

    Cyd Charisse the WOMAN THAT YOU ARE

  65. S
    sarah 8 月 9, 2026

    the world is a stage the stage is the world of entertainment THAT’S ENTERTAINMENT!!!!

    1
  66. S
    sfditty 8 月 9, 2026

    Trying to get myself into this genre has been a bit of a challenge. For Bandwagon I know it’s well regarded but I just don’t care about any of the individual characters. However the group collective of trying to put in a massive production, that I enjoyed to no end. While some of the number ranged from bonkers to kinda sweet. No guesses for which I preferred.

    1
  67. M

    The movie that inspired Michael Jackson’s Smooth Criminal (the ending scene). A fun little and whimsical musical about a failed stage play that was revised later on. It is pretty entertaining and has great set design. Fred Astaire had a good screen presence as well as being an awesome dancer.

    4
  68. D
    Dogfeet 8 月 9, 2026

    Who wouldn’t want to live life in technicolor? Astaire dancing is one of the reasons cinema was invented. Joy incarnate is the best way to describe this picture

    1
  69. D
    Dylan 8 月 9, 2026

    So what is their show about if not Faust

    1
  70. D
    diegofleck 8 月 9, 2026

    Todo lo que sucede en la vida puede ocurrir en un espectáculo puedes hacerlos reír, puedo hacerlos llorar;

  71. J
    Jessie D 8 月 9, 2026

    Desperate to know how the triplets atrocity fit into the show?

    2
  72. I
    IrishSantaClaus 8 月 9, 2026

    Watching an older movie like this really gives an appreciation for how much work they put into the cinematography and sound production to bring the magic to the screen. Performances across the board were fantastic, and the musical numbers are very memorable.

  73. P
    PulpMilkshake 8 月 8, 2026

    I hate to give this a 4/10 with Astaire, but the movie is such a let down. If the entire movie had been a musical based around the “The Girl Hunt Ballet” number, it would be infinitely higher.

    2
  74. N
    NotMarty 8 月 8, 2026

    pretty funny that someone did end up making a faust musical and it’s actually awesome

    1
  75. J
    John Scrofini 8 月 8, 2026

    Louisiana Hayride…to death!!!!

    1
  76. 1
    10centsoff 8 月 8, 2026

    somehow makes you think that Fred Astaire, famed dancer, can’t dance because they don’t give him any goddamn good dance sequences. Like who decided the “More Beer” song or the “Triplets” number was more important than the dances between Cyd Charisse and Fred Astaire (who seem to only get like….three beautiful dance sequences together)

    2
  77. R
    rivernovaa 8 月 7, 2026

    visually stunning and comforting

    2
  78. K
    KTKwatches 8 月 7, 2026

    Aside from The Triplets song, this wasn’t that great.

  79. B
    ButterandEggos 8 月 7, 2026

    Wheew that’s one of the best movies I’ve ever seen. AI doesn’t have the brains or heart to come up with a musical number like the babies show stopper that’s for sure.

    1
  80. C
    Ciara 💜🔮 8 月 7, 2026

    “oh look. trees!” truer words have never been spoken

    1
  81. S
    Sarah Russo 8 月 7, 2026

    The “Girl Hunt Ballet” is so visually pleasing omg I’m obsessed.

    2
  82. ‘

    sunset boulevard feels like an odd comparison but it was my first thought in how both examine the shifts within entertainment that does throw old stars away (complete with using imagery from the lead playing the fading star’s actual filmography), the band wagon however has a joy and a hope that’s so infectious. it’s not a condemnation of an industry but a celebration of making art, making entertainment. astaire has this bitter edge to his usual delightful snark in the…

    1
  83. D
    danimax73 8 月 6, 2026

    Gran película que decir si inspiró el mejor videoclip de la historia

  84. A
    annatellthenews 8 月 6, 2026

    moved me to tears for many reasons. omg could watch the triplet number for forever and a day 😍and the shoe shine song my new vocal stim Trying to forget about that quote from On Popular Music about sentimentality because it’s literallyyyyy poison

    1
  85. J
    Jordannn 8 月 6, 2026

    Peut être qu’Hollywood ne s’est rarement autant regardé dans un miroir au moment de réaliser ce film, tellement conscient de son statut, de l’âge d’or passé de sa star et de son genre, tout en essayant de chercher des nouvelles choses pour avancer

    1
  86. T
    tno 8 月 6, 2026

    I tried to reach the moon, but when I got there All that I could get was the air My feet are back upon the ground I lost the one girl I found 10/10 flick, belly laughs and watery eyes. Very few things as romantic as Dancing In the Dark

    1 2
  87. K
    kieran 8 月 6, 2026

    WHAT IS THE PLOT OF THIS MUSICAL WITHIN A MUSICAL

    4
  88. N
    NitrateKyle 8 月 6, 2026

    That transition from clashing dance styles to total synchronization during “Dancing in the Dark” is incredible. Tony Hunter’s casual tap and Gabrielle Gerard’s strict ballet shouldn’t work together at all, but they do. Charisse completely commands the screen here. The showbiz satire stuff is funny, sure, but their physical chemistry is what actually makes the movie worth watching.

    1
  89. J
    jack 8 月 6, 2026

    Wonderful musical numbers strung together with weak and generally forgettable connective tissue. Astaire and Charisse succeed in carrying all the weight.

    5
  90. M
    Marc Molist 8 月 6, 2026

    The world is a stage, the stage is a world of entertainment! Magnífic musical! Amb escenes meravelloses. Una de les que més m’ha agradat ha estat la de Dancing in the Dark. Estic segur que és l’escena més emblemàtica de la pel·lícula i no per menys. La subtilesa i elegància d’aquesta és sublim. Els dos actors realment es veuen molt connectats ballant a Central Park i vestits de blanc creen una atmosfera relaxada que, acompanyada d’una excel·lent coreografia i una…

  91. E
    Erin 8 月 6, 2026

    the film’s leading conflict is that gabrielle is taller than fred fred is older, but that isn’t really an issue

    2
  92. F
    Francisco Lima 8 月 6, 2026

    Amália Rodrigues sobre o Fred Astaire: youtu.be/oBe9-G5gtaQt=170&is=wnxmwehb4IcuwtCC E Fred Astaires à parte, eu era capaz de olhar para a Cyd Charisse o dia inteiro. O começo do Girl Hunt Ballet é dos momentos mais eróticos da história do cinema, e faz dela mulher quase tão perigosa como a Marlene Dietrich. Poucas coisas na minha vida me assombraram tanto como aquela mão serpenteante, que se aproxima do Astaire e junta-se à outra para lhe envolver o pescoço. Talvez se eu estivesse na situação da Amália, a Cyd Charisse também me salvasse.

    1
  93. C
    Chris Dockum 8 月 6, 2026

    Sometimes you have craftspeople working together at the right time, when it’s maybe not their individual personal peak but it comes together just right. It might not be the best musical ever made, but it might be the most entertaining.

    1
  94. L
    Luca_Noce 8 月 5, 2026

    Prima parte della fine della vecchia hollywood, di due dei più grandi generi di sempre. Musical e Western. Insieme a Cantando sotto la pioggia sono entrambi intrisi di consapevolezza verso la fine di un’era (la loro). Entrambi sono metariflessivi ed anticipano il passaggio ai moti degli anni 60, new hollywood inclusa. Il primo inserendosi in un equivalente cambio dell’industria, il secondo con il canto del cigno di Fred Astaire e portando al parossismo il musical (dinamica usata per le letture orrorifiche come in Un americano a parigi, inserita nella diegesi del film).

  95. D
    Danii 8 月 5, 2026

    Me ha encantado, es una de las mejores películas que ha habido, musicales. Y eso que no me gustan mucho los musicales, pero Fred Astaire el mejor bailarín de la historia.

  96. J
    Jo_Rydzewska 8 月 5, 2026

    A bit odd film, esp in the middle. Very stagy but the musical numbers are interesting.

    1
  97. É
    élio 🌙 8 月 5, 2026

    dance, fools, dance !

    1
  98. D
    David Zavala 8 月 5, 2026

    Movies that make you smile

    1
  99. R
    Riddle's Scribbles 8 月 4, 2026

    What the heck was that triplets scene imao

    2
  100. L
    Line 8 月 4, 2026

    Tony, are you okay? Are you okay, Tony?

  101. T
    tyler_bowie 8 月 4, 2026

    I’m terrebly speachless. Being part of a play it’s difficult, i know because i’ven there, but this film irradietes so much textures and flavours in a way that just hits on everyone who would love theather, movies and plays. Yes, it has some things that are kinda silly for the plot and characters but stills has a powerfull message.

  102. B
    breakfast_at_Ts 8 月 4, 2026

    Psychedelic

    1
  103. S
    smorris234 8 月 3, 2026

    fun addition to the genre of movies where actors essentially play themselves and make fun of the industry

  104. C
    Chris R. 8 月 3, 2026

    Astaire makes everything look SO effortless…except acting, which he makes look like the most strenuous thing anyone has ever done.

    2
  105. J
    jtwlsn00 8 月 3, 2026

    There’s not much of a story in this. But I’m somehow left with the feeling that the dancing, especially the “Dancing in the Dark” number, is some of the best character work in both Fred Astaire’s and Cyd Charisse’s careers. There’s definitely some old Hollywood magic in this one.

    2
  106. C
    claire 8 月 3, 2026

    this is fred astaire’s Singin’ In the Rain. even if it’s cliche or long, it only feels fair to give it 5 stars also

    3
  107. A
    Aspen 8 月 3, 2026

    When your writers want a comedic musical but you are a dramatic diva with an obsession with old tragedies.

    1
  108. L
    lou 8 月 2, 2026

    Les scènes de danse du cinéma de Minnelli sont toujours aussi époustouflantes, créatives et absolument parfaites ! La performance de Cyd Charisse est vraiment géniale ! Et croyez moi, voir Fred Astair déguisé et maquillé en bébé ça vaut le détour

  109. B
    bogartiano 8 月 2, 2026

    Sabemos que los musicales vienen con la felicidad incorporada y “The Band Wagon” no es la excepción: filme de 1953 que muestra la trastienda de lo que implica sacar adelante una obra de teatro y de que a pesar que te equivoques, siempre hay una segunda oportunidad. Cyd Charisse, que salió en “Cantando Bajo la Lluvia” acá es protagonista y deslumbra en la icónica escena de baile “Dancing in the Dark”. Y Fred Astaire literalmente brilla en otra llamada “Shine on Your Shoes”. Un clásico imperdible

  110. L
    Lady_Marian 8 月 2, 2026

    Considering how much I love MGM musicals, it’s surprising it took me this long to watch this one. But it’s a fun and charming movie; and since it’s directed by Vincente Minnelli, it looks absolutely stunning. The Dancing in the Dark scene alone is worth watching the movie for, but there are so many other great numbers and some very catchy songs.

    2
  111. T
    Tyler Ortega 8 月 2, 2026

    woah. I was not expecting this to “wow” me on re-watch, but consider me pleasantly surprised. Cyd & Fred have phenomenal dance chemistry to a point where it might one of my favorite pairings. There are so many sequences that are bonafide classics and feel like it. Pretty much everyone who worked on this thing (both in front of & behind the camera) are straight pro’s. Minnelli, Comden & Green, Kidd, Astaire, Charisse, etc. I could go on and on and people still…

    2
  112. M
    Michael 8 月 1, 2026

    Dude I love when old movie musicals have a 10 minute long scene and dance number that is from the narrative within the narrative and it makes your forget what the movie is even about. Now that’s entertainment!

    1
  113. M
    Matt 8 月 1, 2026

    A flimsy excuse for great musical numbers, but they’re great musical numbers. I’ve always been a Gene Kelly guy more than a Fred Astaire fella, but Fred’s got presence, no doubt about it.

    2
  114. M
    Marye10 7 月 31, 2026

    Felt the first half a bit slow, but the second half was really met my expectations.

  115. L
    Laura Pauline 7 月 31, 2026

    MJ se inspiró en esta película para varios proyectos. ♡

  116. C
    catsbeforekings 7 月 31, 2026

    A bit meh, but I appreciated the dedication to the scarf belt! Along with all the outfits in general. Things felt a bit slapped together. Best line, amidst sobs: “I’m not used to behaving terribly, it’s a big strain!”

  117. C
    clau 7 月 31, 2026

    Simple. Artful. Entertaining. The first musical I don’t hate.

    1
  118. S
    sammyzeisel 7 月 31, 2026

    Captures the joy of collaboration and the meaning that accrues in the margins of even a failed artistic endeavor. Its unseriousness is totally built into its dramaturgy—the climax a completely non-sensical sequence that is also sublime. Ah the THEATER!!!

    2
  119. L
    Leyrellopez 7 月 30, 2026

    Creo que Michael Jackson le debe la mitad de su carrera a esta película

  120. J
    Julia 7 月 30, 2026

    all kinds of shenanigans were got up to

    2
  121. L
    LED 7 月 30, 2026

    “i don’t know any more about art than i do about dancing im just one of those hollywood actors” Astaire adorable in the little red neckerchief luminous bright yellow cabs in a sea of starry headlights stumbling past dancers in the park, they walk, the city a backdrop, they escape to a clearing —dancing amid modernist recreations of glacier rock coughing & shrieking amid brilliant red flashes & smoke Before a haunting crossing to the cypress lined end a veil lifting in apartments amid beer & song a marathon through violet halls & throngs of goons wheeling & shooting!!

    2
  122. K
    Kolby 7 月 29, 2026

    how my dreams feel

    1
  123. C
    cannoli_river 7 月 28, 2026

    What the heck even is the plot of the in-universe Band Wagon? It’s absolutely stunning visually, yes, but how do each of those sequences connect with each other? Oh, who cares! I loved that noir segment. The sequences outside of the play, such as the shoe shining bit or the ever-present That’s Entertainment! motif were also really good. It’s a shame the plot of the film The Band Wagon is kinda treated as secondary.

    2
  124. M
    miannone 7 月 27, 2026

    Great music, clunky start imo

    2
  125. Z
    zrnas 7 月 27, 2026

    i just wasn’t very interested in this. the plot felt barely coherent, with the overarching arc relying quite a bit on the love story that i just couldn’t buy, what with him looking retirement home ready and her gorgeous and young, and the zero chemistry between them. the dances were all fun (and the songs were okay, but none really stuck to me), and some of them were amazing, but i guess my biggest issue is that the story was so meh

    2
  126. N
    Nickodamus 7 月 27, 2026

    Jeffrey Cordova’s version of the show would have looked a lot more interesting, tbh

    2
  127. R
    Rob Hewitt 7 月 26, 2026

    I have no idea what the Play “The Band Wagon” is about even with hearing all the numbers and hearing a synopsis, but the film is just a bundle of joy of putting on a performance and such joys of performance.

  128. V
    veyhar 7 月 26, 2026

    didnt see much wagon, maybe it really was banned

    1
  129. T
    TheOzzo 7 月 25, 2026

    An excellent mastery of a stale format, which fittingly is about a washed up has been, almost meta at times. If I’m making it sound intelligent I apologize as this is a very bog standard screwbal-esque kind of thing. Lots of singing and dancing that are very impressive but lack any real emotional backing or meaning. A relic, though not one I’ll be revisiting anytime soon.

    1
  130. D
    Difi 7 月 25, 2026

    The world is a stage The stage is a world Of entertainment

  131. M
    Manann Plisken 7 月 25, 2026

    Will always appreciate a meta film. How the hell did Triplets connect to Louisiana Hayride???

    1
  132. I
    iza{bel} 7 月 25, 2026

    tem que dançar para se salvar (um dançarino de teatro pode se apaixonar por uma bailarina clássica?)

  133. B
    begm462 7 月 25, 2026

    Now, that’s entertainment! The Jazz Murder Mystery number was absolute perfection. No notes. MJ’s inspiration for Smooth Criminal. Seeing MJ and Fred dance together would’ve been something right out of my musical dreams. Cyd Charisse is very talented and elegant. She dances like a dove. The gorgeous Ava Gardner makes a small cameo. Minelli, as always, directed a beautiful, entertaining, emotional musical. I wish the world had the same color scheme as a Minelli film. The Technicolor is glorious.

    6
  134. A
    AuroFon 7 月 25, 2026

    Incredibly charming. Cyd Charisse and her legs never cease to amaze me. The costume designer is outstanding, I audibly gasped at every new dress. And the Central Park scene — my heart

    1
  135. J
    Jorge A. Pattroni 7 月 24, 2026

    Ok

    1
  136. S
    sky 7 月 24, 2026

    That sparkly dress…

  137. R
    Rob 7 月 24, 2026

    A jolly romp with Fred Astaire and Cyd Charisse starring as leads in what is hoped to be the Broadway musical to top all. Except the ambition of the director/producer/star Jeffrey Cordova (Jack Buchanan) far outweighs the ability to bring it all together in an incredibly cramped timeline. He continues to add ideas and scenery until the production collapses under its own weight. The only shame here is that we only see the off-broadway audience reaction after the show and…

    1
  138. T
    TimCallahan 7 月 24, 2026

    These are some talented people! Then it swerves to dancing babies and a hard boiled noir dance sequence.

    2
  139. R
    Ryan Callahan 7 月 23, 2026

    The Mickey Spillane sequence at the end is worth the price of admission. I watched it at home. I payed zero dollars. Summer 2026 NonCon Selection #1

    1
  140. I
    itz.mus.lim 7 月 23, 2026

    That was show business

    1
  141. C
    Cubed 7 月 23, 2026

    triplets dance from a filmmaking perspective is so confusing. i assume they used black bodysuits while on their knees but then they started dancing crazy so idk

    1
  142. H
    hodanworlz 7 月 23, 2026

    I love the ending and the beginning idk about the middle so much except the dancing scene

    1
  143. C
    Carolina 7 月 21, 2026

    Kind of a 1950s La La Land if La La Land was more honest and less self-important and nostalgia-based. The old ways of musicals still have value, there’s still an audience for them, they’re worth preserving even if the new ways are showier and enticing — and casting Fred Astaire and Cyd Charisse for this says more than words could –, but the new ways aren’t the fall of civilization with new attitudes that spit in the face of Tradition.…

    1
  144. 🎥

    Lovely film. Not my favorite from Minnelli’s musicals but he is still outclassing every one of his contemporaries. Girl Hunt ballet is one of the greatest things i’ve ever seen and it’s like the 3rd best number i’ve seen in a Minnelli film. Maybe his funniest movie? Fully leans into the chaotic nature of putting on a show and it makes a lot of it so delightful. Cyd Charisse I love you!!!

    4
  145. J
    JustGlyphs 7 月 20, 2026

    The show-within-a-show structure allows for more narrative flexibility than Minnelli’s other major musicals. I normally dislike the free-flowing editing style but it really compliments the narrative as well. Some hilarious moments that had me cracking up, like when the director is describing his version of the show to the potential producers and the original writers are horrified: “With flapping wings and grinning evil eyes, he points the way to the yawning pits of Hades! … Brimstone and flames! … Dungeon…

    1
  146. H
    Hannah 7 月 20, 2026

    I’m sad. It has all the ingredients I love including musical numbers, Astaire, and Faust (even though it’s a failed production in the movie), and the most enjoyable part of this movie was the last 20 minutes. It’s serviceable in what it offers, but the on screen chemistry is nonexistent, the musical numbers disappointing, and the plot not interesting enough even with being carried by such talented forces. Maybe I just wasn’t in the mood for it in the end,…

    3
  147. K
    Khukhim 7 月 20, 2026

    Lin-manuel Miranda believes he is the rap equivalent of fred estaire in this and for that we must atone

    1
  148. L
    lyrica p 7 月 17, 2026

    i wish the whole movie was that random 15 minutes of glitz and glamour towards the end. otherwise i was lowkey bored. although, technicolor can save anything.

    1
  149. J
    Joe 7 月 17, 2026

    not the out and out comedy that singin in the rain is, but something equally dazzling. the technicolor is beautiful, the combo of astaire and charisse is inspired. minnelli’s direction is second to none. love that neither of the two shows they’re working on make much sense but the one they settle on is the fun one. and indeed all the numbers we see from it are so much fun. especially that final 15 minutes of noir ballet fantasia, it makes no sense at all except that it’s wonderful. couldn’t have had a better time watching this.

  150. S
    seangubs 7 月 17, 2026

    Well, that was just fantastic. It’s taken me 35 years but I’ve finally the phase where I devour and am entranced by classic MGM musicals. Minelli is so wild and inventive and fun. I did watch Meet Me in St. Louis a few years ago and it rocked me.

    2
  151. .
    . 3 月 18, 2026

    the girl hunt ballet is genuinely unbelievable. i forgot how stylish that entire sequence is. ✧˖° 🖤

    1
  152. A
    abcflicks 9 月 1, 2025

    Vincente Minnelli’s 1953 MGM musical, The Band Wagon, examines how show business can reflect the fragile landscape of the human psyche. On the surface, it is a dazzling Technicolor backstage musical. Yet, as I look closer, I see a profound meditation on art versus commerce, the anxiety of aging, and the beautiful, terrifying process of personal reinvention. Through its choreography and rich psychological subtext, the film captures classic Hollywood romanticism while quietly challenging what it means to be an artist…

    1
  153. .
    . 8 月 6, 2021

    i think old musicals had way more confidence than modern ones. they’d stop the plot for ten minutes just because someone had a fun idea for a dance number and somehow it always worked. ⋆.˚ 🎭

    1
  154. J
    Jorge's Corner 1 月 31, 2020

    Quite impressive and fun to watch! I wasn’t expecting much, as this was one of those movies from Ebert’s list I hadn’t seen, but I got more from it than I thought I would. Fred really was amazing. Ginger is not here, but it’s still very good.

    1
  155. E
    ezioAi 1 月 30, 2017

    จากทีมผู้เขียนบท Singin’ in the Rain (1952) นำแสดงโดย Fred Astaire รับบทอดีตนักแสดงละครเพลง Broadway ที่ร้างเวทีไปนาน หวังว่าการแสดงชุดใหม่นี้จะช่วยทำให้เขากลับมามีชื่อเสียงได้อีกครั้ง, เอะ… นี่มาจากชีวิตจริงของ Astaire หรือเปล่านิ raremeat.blog/the-band-wagon-1953/

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F Fred Astaire Tony Hunter
C Cyd Charisse Gabrielle Gerard
O Oscar Levant Lester Marton
N Nanette Fabray Lily Marton
J Jack Buchanan Jeffrey Cordova
J James Mitchell Paul Byrd
R Robert Gist Hal
A Ava Gardner Ava Gardner (uncredited)
D Don Beddoe Producer (uncredited)
H Henry Corden Orchestra Leader (uncredited)
S Steve Forrest Passenger on Train (uncredited)
B Bess Flowers Train Passenger (uncredited)
I India Adams Gabrielle Gerard (singing voice) (uncredited)
D Douglas Fowley Auctioneer (uncredited)
T Thurston Hall Colonel Tripp (uncredited)
F Frank McLure Investor (uncredited)
J Julie Newmar Salon Model / Chorine in Ballet (uncredited)
C Colin Kenny Drunk Outside Arcade (uncredited)
B Bert Stevens Train Station Passenger (uncredited)
H Harold Miller Bystander in Ballet (uncredited)
Director Vincente Minnelli
Writer Betty Comden, Adolph Green
Producer Arthur Freed, Roger Edens
Editor Albert Akst, George White
Special Effects Warren Newcombe
Art Direction E. Preston Ames, Cedric Gibbons
Synopsis
A Broadway artiste turns a faded film star's comeback vehicle into an artsy flop.
Director
Vincente Minnelli
Writer
Betty Comden, Adolph Green
Studio
Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer, Loew's Incorporated
Country
USA
Language
English, French
Year
1953
Runtime
112 mins

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