Irving Berlin’s beloved music is showcased in the 1948 movie, “Easter Parade.” The film stars Fred Astaire, Judy Garland, Ann Miller, and Peter Lawford. Show time is 2:00 p.m., on Tuesday, March 13, 2018, in the Program Room of Odell Public Library, 307 S. Madison Street, Morrison, IL. Wearing an Easter bonnet is optional.
The Technicolor film is gorgeous, and the dance routines are amazing! Plus, the movie features 17 Irving Berlin songs, which will leave the audience humming and smiling. They include “Shakin’ the Blues Away,” “Steppin’ Out with My Baby,” and “Easter Parade.”
The action begins on the Easter weekend of 1912. Dancer Don Hewes (Astaire) is deserted by his professional partner Nadine (Ann Miller.) Don decides he will take the next dancer he meets and turn her into a star by the next Easter. Of course, this wide-eyed, young lady is Garland, in the role of Hannah. Unfortunately, she doesn’t know her left foot from her right. Complications also arise when Lawford becomes infatuated with the lovely Hannah.
It seems as though no man leaves the house without top hat and tails, and all the women cavort in fabulous gowns and fantastically beautiful Easter bonnets. However, it is the fancy footwork of the 48-year-old Astaire that impresses and wows. Audiences in the 1940’s must have watched in amazement–so will you!
Astaire hated his hands; he thought them too large. Pay attention to how he cups them–rather than leaving them extended–and flexes his fingers to shorten the visual length. Artistry conquers egotism.
Come and enjoy this happy, feel-good film. Pop and popcorn complete the afternoon. See you at the movies!