The Band Wagon (1953)

In the glitzy realm of Hollywood, Tony Hunter, a once-celebrated singer and dancer, feels the biting chill of obscurity as his star begins to fade. Jaded and forgotten, he finds himself eclipsed by the likes of Ava Gardner, a painful reminder of his dwindling appeal. However, a beacon of hope emerges from Broadway's vibrant heart: his old friends, Lily and Les Martin, have a quirky, promising production up their sleeves. In a desperate bid to revive his career, Tony agrees to headline their Broadway show, unknowingly stepping onto a roller coaster of theatrical chaos. The drama intensifies when Jeffrey Cordova, a highbrow director with an artistic ego as grand as his vision, joins the team. Cordova, with his debut in musical direction, ambitiously transforms the simple script into a modernistic interpretation of Faust, hijacking the production's original charm with his pretentiousness. The tension crescendos when prima ballerina Gabrielle Gerard is cast opposite Tony. Their relationship is a turbulent symphony from the start, fuelled by her jealous choreographer and their initial disdain for each other. The production teeters on the brink of disaster, its potential smothered by Cordova's grandiose vision and the brewing storm of interpersonal conflicts. As the show stumbles through disastrous previews, Tony is left with the daunting task of salvaging the sinking ship. Amidst the theatrical turmoil, he finds himself drawn to the fiery Gabrielle, igniting a spark of romance amidst the chaos. "The Band Wagon" is a captivating blend of comedy, drama, and music, underscored by the iconic song 'That's Entertainment'. Amidst the whirlwind of egos, art, and affection, a spectacular opening night and an unexpected epiphany await. This is a tale of resilience and redemption, a testament to the magic of Broadway and the endurance of a true performer.

The Band Wagon is a comedy movie featuring Fred Astaire and directed by Vincente Minnelli.

The Band Wagon is currently streaming for free (ad-supported) on Tubi TV and it's also available on Criterion Channel.

It is also possible to buy The Band Wagon on Amazon Video, Apple TV, DIRECTV, Google Play Movies, Microsoft Store, Vudu and YouTube.