The Fred Astaire Collection (DVD)

Collection of four musicals starring Fred Astaire. In 'Easter Parade' (1948) Astaire plays Don Hewes, one half of a dance team who is ditched by his partner. Deciding he can make a star out of anyone he wants, Don chooses lowly chorus girl Hannah Brown (Judy Garland) as his new partner. Songs include 'Steppin' Out With My Baby' and 'A Couple of Swells'. In 'Broadway Melody of 1940' (1940) Johnny Brett (Astaire) and King Shaw (George Murphy) are a struggling dance duo. When Broadway producer Bob Casey (Frank Morgan) discovers Johnny's talent he is eager to employ him for his new show alongside star Clare Bennett (Eleanor Powell) but, masquerading as Johnny, it is King who gets the part. When King is unable to perform on opening night, however, Johnny gets his chance on the big stage. Songs include 'I've Got My Eyes On You' and 'Begin the Beguine'. In Francis Ford Coppola's first big-budget feature, 'Finian's Rainbow' (1968), Astaire stars as simple-minded Irishman Finian McLonergan. Fleeing to America with a stolen crock of gold, he is pursued by Og (Tommy Steele), a leprechaun who is the rightful owner of the treasure. Songs include 'Old Devil Moon' and 'If This Isn't Love'. In 'The Band Wagon' (1953) has-been movie actor Tony Hunter (Astaire) agrees to take part in a Broadway show, playing opposite ballerina Gabrielle Gerard (Cyd Charisse). The stars fear they cannot work together, but the show's success is under a bigger threat from its pretentious musical director (Jack Buchanan), who turns a simple story into an overblown monster. When opening night is a flop, it is up to the cast to save the show. Songs include 'That's Entertainment' and 'Dancing in the Dark'.