Easter Parade

(Charles Walters, US 1948, 107 min., 35mm)

Holiday Favorite!. When Fred Astaire is dumped by partner Ann Miller, he picks unsophisticated and uncoordinated Judy Garland out of a chorus as her replacement. One of the most successful musicals from MGM’s famed Freed Unit, the only pairing of Garland and Astaire (who came out of retirement just for the opportunity to work with Garland) showcases their incredible talents performing a score composed by Irving Berlin. Astaire’s innovative slow-motion number “Stepping Out with My Baby” and the elaborate backlot recreation of New York’s Fifth Avenue on Easter Sunday remain awe-inspiring technical achievements.