Listmania!
Pass a rainy day with some lesser known MGM musicals
By an Amazon.com customer
Lady Be Good [VHS]Lady Be Good [VHS]
Buy used from: $3.00
A great backstage musical from 1941, starring Eleanor Powell, Ann Sothern, and Robert Young. Features Eleanor Powell dancing in an obligatory Busby Berkeley production number.
The Broadway Melody (Special Edition)The Broadway Melody (Special Edition)
Buy new: $17.99 / Used from: $2.34
All four films in MGM's "Broadway Melody" series qualify well for this list, starting with the very beginning.
Broadway Melody of 1936 [VHS]Broadway Melody of 1936 [VHS]
Buy used from: $4.25
The second in the series is very hard to come by, but well worth it. A rare chance to see Buddy Ebsen singing and dancing alongside his sister Velma.
Broadway Melody of 1938 [VHS]Broadway Melody of 1938 [VHS]
Buy used from: $3.11
The third installment is somewhat easier to find. See Eleanor Powell dancing on lavish art deco sets. Also look for a young Judy Garland in her first feature for MGM.
Broadway Melody of 1940Broadway Melody of 1940
Buy new: $17.99 / Used from: $10.98
Two of Hollywood's greatest dancers come together in the last film in this series. The "Begin the Beguine" number alone is worth the price of the DVD.
Hit the Deck [VHS]Hit the Deck [VHS]
Buy used from: $0.50
One of the several "sailors on leave" musicals. This would certainly benefit from a widescreen restoration, but the movie is still a lot of fun nonetheless.
Toast of New Orleans [VHS]Toast of New Orleans [VHS]
Buy used from: $1.88
Mario Lanza and Kathryn Grayson were made for each other. It's too bad they didn't do more pictures together.
Three Little WordsThree Little Words
Buy new: $5.79 / Used from: $5.73
Fred Astaire, Red Skelton, and Vera-Ellen star in this 1950 film based on the lives and music of Bert Kalmar and Harry Ruby. FABULOUS new DVD transfer.
Royal Wedding / The Belle of New YorkRoyal Wedding / The Belle of New York
Buy new: $22.49 / Used from: $7.10
ROYAL WEDDING: From 1951, starring Fred Astaire and Jane Powell, with a score by Burton Lane and Alan Jay Lerner. Notable for Fred Astaire's legendary dance on the ceiling. BELLE OF NEW YORK: From 1952, with Fred Astaire and Vera-Ellen. The second and, unfortunately, the final pairing of whom I consider to be the two greatest dancers in the history of motion pictures.
Duchess of Idaho [VHS]Duchess of Idaho [VHS]
Buy used from: $16.99
A charming Esther Williams flic from 1950. Also stars Red Skelton. Look also for Eleanor Powell in a cameo role in her last film at MGM.
Babes on Broadway [VHS]Babes on Broadway [VHS]
Buy used from: $5.50
A staple of the Garland-Rooney catalogue. The blackface number at the end is just great!
Girl Crazy [VHS]Girl Crazy [VHS]
Buy used from: $7.49
This was the last (and, IMO, the best) of the Garland/Rooney "Let's-get-the-kids-together-and-put-on-a-show" musicals. Fabulous!
Billy Rose's JumboBilly Rose's Jumbo
Buy used from: $4.89
Released in 1962, this was Doris Day's last musical. Also stars the ever radiant Jimmy Durante. The DVD, released earlier this year, is wonderful.
The Unsinkable Molly BrownThe Unsinkable Molly Brown
Buy new: $15.49 / Used from: $12.97
Another one of those rare MGM musicals from the 60s, this time starring Debbie Reynolds, who was the only MGM musical star still making MGM musicals in 1964. Fabulous DVD transfer.
Little Nellie Kelly [VHS]Little Nellie Kelly [VHS]
Buy used from: $19.45
This one is really hard to come by. It was Judy Garland's first "adult" role, and she plays dual roles besides!
Thousands Cheer [VHS]Thousands Cheer [VHS]
Buy used from: $6.72
This wartime musical was one of Gene Kelly's first films. Kathryn Grayson costars.
Presenting Lily Mars [VHS]Presenting Lily Mars [VHS]
Buy used from: $0.99
Another staple of the Garland catalogue.
Ziegfeld FolliesZiegfeld Follies
Buy new: $14.99 / Used from: $4.51
There's absolutely no plot--it's all about the songs and dances, starring a whole gang of MGM stars and featured players. It's just like a night out at the Follies!