The Band Wagon

Now considered one of the greatest musicals of all time, The Band Wagon was not an immediate success.

The film's initial box office disappointment was undoubtedly due to its main character Tony Hunter (Fred Astaire), being cast as a largely forgotten musical star.

The film is a behind-the-scenes musical showing how the genre, though somewhat dated, can reach new heights when the basics are respected: hard work, emotion and entertainment are essential to an audience-pleasing show (and film).

By bringing together a troupe united by dance, Tony Hunter stages a Broadway show and wins the heart of prima ballerina Gabrielle Gerard (Cyd Charisse).

The film wryly depicts the avant-garde, personified by Jeffrey Cordova (Jack Buchanan), and plays with various film genres such as film noir in the mythical Cyd Charisse ballet scene: The Girl Hunt Ballet.

Pierre-Emmanuel Jaques (CEC, UNIL)