5.10.2010

royal wedding


the year: 1951

the genre: musical



the cast: Fred Astaire (Tom Bowen); Jane Powell (Ellen Bowen); Peter Lawford (Lord John Brindale); Sarah Churchill (Anne Ashmond); Keenan Wynn (Irving Klinger / Edgar Klinger)




the plot: Stage stars Tom and Ellen Bowen are a brother and sister dance act whose show closes in New York. Their agent books them in London for the same period as the Royal Wedding. Innocent-seeming Ellen is a female Don Juan and doesn't take dancing as seriously as brother Tom; on ship she meets her match, Lord John Brindale. Arrived in London, confirmed bachelor Tom auditions and is taken with cool dancer Anne Ashmond. Will romance break up the act?





don’t miss: the fate of Tom’s poor hat during the number “How Could You Believe Me When I Said I Love You When You Know I've Been A Liar All My Life.”





check out: the imaginary shop name "Harridge's." It is an amalgamation of "Harrod's" and "Claridge's"





listen for: “I think you have to enjoy living with yourself before you have the nerve to ask anyone else to.”





also listen for: “Pip, now.”





did you know: the ship's rocking during "Open Your Eyes" was based on the Fred Astaires' own dancing experience on a voyage to London in 1923.





More Astaire magic here and here.

4 comments:

B Porter said...

Going strickly off of the images you inserted, there seems to be a lot of Lip Whoring going on in this film.

Millie Motts said...

Lip whoring, indeed! Blaine, I'll be sure to post more kissing scenes - just for you!!

Lori said...

Love Jane in 7 Brides for 7 Brothers. So THIS is the movie where Fred Astaire dances in the 'rotating room'. I'll have to check this one out!

Laney said...

I'm glad I'm not the only one who noticed all the kissing...and the first picture he doesn't seem too thrilled. Good use of Lip Whore :D