“On an Island with You”

Esther Williams in “On an Island with You” (MGM, 1948)

Have you ever seen an Esther Williams movie? She was the bathing beauty who starred in a bunch of MGM musicals during the 1940s and 1950s. The musicals were light on plot and heavy on the sychronized swimming. One of these musicals is 1948’s “On an Island with You.” Williams plays a Rosalind Rennolds, a stage performer turned movie star who while filming her latest film project in Hawaii gets romantically pursued by a U.S. Navy lieutenant (played by Peter Lawford) who had fallen in love with her years earlier when they met briefly during one of her shows. It’s completely stupid, but worth a view just for the kitsch of it all. Filmed in glorious Technicolor. Also stars Ricardo Montalban, Jimmy Durante, Cyd Charisse, Kathryn Beaumont, along with Xavier Cugat and his orchestra. Written by Dorothy Kingsley, Dorothy Cooper, Charles Martin and Hans Wilhelm (sorry to be critical, but I can’t believe it took four writers to write this screenplay–just sayin’). Directed by Richard Thorpe. “If I put my arms around your neck I’d choke you!”

“The Band Wagon”

Fred Astaire and Cyd Charisse in “The Band Wagon” (MGM, 1953)

“The Band Wagon” (MGM, 1953). Fading movie musical star Tony Hunter (played by Fred Astaire) leaves Hollywood for New York to star in a new Broadway play. After a disastrous preview along with constant bickering and infighting among the cast and crew, they all ultimately decide to put aside their differences and work together to create a hit show. If you’ve never seen this film, give it a try. Next to “Singin’ in the Rain,” this is probably my favorite MGM musical. The plot may be a touch dozy, but all of the musical numbers are beyond fantastic and really show the excellence of the MGM hit machine, not to mention the tremendous skills of the entire cast and creative team led by the great director Vincente Minnelli. The sublime “Dancing in the Dark” sequence with Fred Astaire and Cyd Charisse (pictured above) is the best thing ever. Also stars Jack Buchanan, Nanette Fabray and Oscar Levant. Songs by Howard Dietz and Arthur Schwartz, including the now-classic showbiz theme “That’s Entertainment.” Written by Betty Comden and Adolph Green. Directed by Vincente Minnelli. “It’s going to run for a long time. As far as I’m concerned, it’s going to run forever.”