Reviews

The movies highlighted in all 3 That's Entertainment! films makes you feel a bit sad. Sad that the world has lost so much innocence so quickly. The difference between the great MGM musicals and the effects-filled action films of today is incredible - and the last MGM musical was only made 49 years ago. And what a difference that 49 years has made! This instalment of the That's Entertainment! series is very interesting from an historical perspective. We see many deleted dance sequences, and a few behind-the-scenes views of great numbers. It was very nice to have Leena Horne featured so much as well, and her candid comments about Hollywood's attitude to her as a black performer was very moving. And its always pure joy to watch Fred Astaire doing what he does best - showing us all he was the greatest dancer who will ever live.

All-in-all, this film is a terrific addition to the That's Entertainment! series, and a film all movie buffs and movie historians must see. I don't think its as good as TE! 1, but its much better than TE! 2.

This is one movie that everyone who loves movies should see. It documents beautifully the history of MGM from 1929 to 1955, and the great musicals that were created there. Every moment of this movie is a 'highlight' - the makers took all the best bits of the best MGM musicals and rolled them together into a wonderful package that makes you smile for 2 hours.

Its very rare indeed to watch such a thoroughly entertaining movie. And it even laughs at itself, particularly when showing the insanity of Esther Williams' mega-productions. These have to be seen to be believed!

When audiences think of Hollywood's 'Golden Age', its movies like this one that sums up that concept. Gloriously garish Technicolour, beautiful sets and costumes that have nothing to do with historical accuracy, and a story that is so full of inaccuracies (both historical and compared to the novel) that it would be quite laughable if it wasn't so much fun. And that's what this movie is all about - good, clean fun and pure, 100% entertainment.

I'd like to mention something about the musical score. Miklos Rozsa was one of the great movie composers, and his score to this movie is truly great. No composer today could write a score so lush and full of beautiful melodies. Each of the main characters gets their own theme, and all themes are gorgeous, especially those written for Rowena and for Rebecca. Ivanhoe's theme, heard first over the main titles, is one of Rozsa's greatest pieces. In fact, its worth watching this movie and concentrating listening to the music rather than the dialogue.