Musicals - Movies

Finian's Rainbow

Musicals

Screen legend Fred Astaire is an Irish rogue whose leprechaun comes to life in the American South. A whimsical, musical fantasy directed by mastermind Francis Ford Coppola ("Bram Stoker's Dracula," "The Godfather") and co-starring pop star/actress Petula Clark ("Goodbye, Mr. Chips"), this story is pure enchantment. Leonard Maltin calls this "elegant and witty... the best movie musical of its era."

Hello, Dolly!

Musicals

Barbara Streisand is a knockout as Dolly Levi, and Hello, Dolly!, is the blockbuster musical you'll want to see her in again and again. The famed plot involves Dolly, a young widow and professional matchmaker who sets her sights, and whatever else she can muster, on conquering tight-fisted Yonkers merchant, Horace Vandergeider, beautifully played by Walter Matthau.

Show Boat (1951)

Musicals

It's an Oscar-nominated musical look at the lives and loves of a show boat theater troupe aboard an old-fashioned Mississippi riverboat. Featuring all-American classic songs by Oscar Hammerstein and Jerome Kern, including "Ol' Man River." Starring Kathryn Grayson ("Kiss Me Kate"), Oscar-nominees Ava Gardner ("Mogambo," "The Night of the Iguana") and Agnus Moorehead (TV's "Bewitched," "Citizen Kane") and Howard Keel (TV's "Dallas"). Produced by Oscar-winner Arthur Freed ("An American in Paris," "Gigi").

Hitting a New High

Musicals

Millionaire opera buff Lucius B. Blynn (Edward Everett Horton) heads to Africa after big game – and bags himself a coloratura. What Blynn doesn't know is that his exotic discovery, Oogahunga the Bird-Girl (Metropolitan Opera legend Lily Pons), is actually a Parisian jazz singer named Suzette, transplanted to the jungle by an enterprising press agent (Jack Oakie) who knows a great story when he makes one up. Raoul Walsh ("White Heat") takes the reins of a zany musical that shifts between the comic (compliments of Oakie, Horton and Eric Blore as an imperious oboist) and the sublime (Pons' glorious voice graces several numbers, including the "Mad Scene" aria from "Lucia di Lammermoor," the opera that catapulted her to renown). The musical director is easy-listening maestro Andre Kostelanetz, who must have made quite an impression on the leading lady: he wed Pons just a few months after "Hitting a New High" premiered.

Swing Time

Musicals

That dancin' duo - Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers - sweep the floor again in this Oscar-winning romantic musical comedy about a dancer who tries to make it big in order to prove himself worthy of his fiancee. His plans take a turn for the unexpected when he falls for his dance partner. Featuring wonderful song and dance numbers by Oscar-honoree Astaire ("Easter Parade," "The Gay Divorcee") and Oscar-winner Rogers ("Kitty Foyle," "Stage Door"). Directed by 12-time Oscar-nominee George Stevens ("Giant," "Shane"). Recently selected by the prestigious American Film Institute as one of the 400 greatest American films of all time.

42nd Street

Musicals

When the leading lady of a Broadway musical breaks her ankle, she is replaced by a young unknown actress, who becomes the star of the show.

West Side Story

Musicals

Two gangs from opposite sides of the street. One romance that dared to cross the line. In 1961, this movie adaptation of the Broadway smash-hit musical West Side Story broke box office records and won an incredible 10 Academy Awards, more than any other musical before or since. On the streets of New York City, two gangs (the Sharks and the Jets) battle for territory and respect. But when Tony, the leader of the Jets, falls in love with Maria, the sister of Sharks leader Bernardo, a chain of events is set in motion that will tear their worlds apart forever. Featuring music from Leonard Bernstein and Stephen Sondheim, and songs like “America,” “Somewhere,” and “Tonight,” this timeless story of star crossed lovers and rival gangs races to a shattering climax you will never forget.

I'll See You In My Dreams (1951)

Musicals

The entertaining true story of songwriter Gus Kahn, tracing his life from Chicago roots to his New York rise with Ziegfeld. Terrific score performed by Doris Day and Danny Thomas. Includes songs: "It Had to Be You," "Ain't We Got Fun." From Michael Curtiz, the director of "Casablanca" and "Angels With Dirty Faces."

Hetty Feather

Musicals

Based upon the best selling series of novels by Jacqueline Wilson, this award-winning stage adaptation tells the story of orphan Hetty and her struggles at The Foundling Hospital. Thrill as she discovers the travelling circus, gasp as she endures a night locked in an attic, quake as she braves the streets of Victorian London, and cheer as she overcomes all in her search for true family of her own.

Fast Forward

Musicals

It's the definitive dance musical of the 80s! FAST FORWARD follows eight talented teenagers from a small town to New York City for a one-in-a-million shot at stardom in a national dance competition. Their high-powered energy is captured by director Sidney Poitier in some of the most dazzling dance sequences ever filmed. From the fast-moving rhythms of contemporary street dancing, to jazz and classical ballet, they strut their stuff through exhausting rehearsals and numerous auditions. In the process, the teenagers get a crash course in self-sufficiency in a city that challenges them to survive, compete and grow. The odds are against them, but in the film's exciting climax, they put it all on the line to make their dreams come true.

Paint Your Wagon

Musicals

A raucous musical comedy, set in the Wild West, Paint Your Wagon is punctuated with a classic Lerner and Loewe musical score (from the original Broadway production), including "They Call The Wind Maria" and "I Talk To Trees." The story of a goldmining boom town full of brawny men centers on the work-and-play partnership of Ben and Pardner (Lee Marvin and Clint Eastwood) alongside the rebellious Elizabeth (Jean Seberg).

42nd Street: The Musical

Musicals

42nd Street is the Broadway song and dance musical extravaganza, and in the show’s largest ever staging entertainment doesn’t get bigger than this. Peggy Sawyer is from small-town America and just a face in the chorus line of ‘Pretty Lady’, the new show from legendary director Julian Marsh. But when the show’s leading lady, Dorothy Brock is injured, Peggy’s dreams of stardom just may come true.

Love Me or Leave Me

Musicals

Academy Award winner James Cagney stars with Doris Day in a rare, hard-edged dramatic musical based on the life of singer Ruth Etting--Love Me or Leave Me. Jazz Age singer Ruth Etting (Day) had looks, ambition and a haunting, smoky voice. But it took more than talent to make her a star--it took gangster Marty 'The Gimp' Snyder (Cagney), who discovers Etting singing in a sleazy dive. Etting uses the love-struck gangster and his money to promote her career and catapult her to stardom. When Snyder discovers Etting in the arms of another man, Snyder shoots the opportunistic Etting's lover and goes to prison, as Etting continues to climb the ladder of fame and fortune. Doris Day sings "You Made Me Love You," "Love Me or Leave Me" and "It All Depends on You."

The Fantasticks

Musicals

Step right up and enjoy the universally loved show that has entertained audiences for over 40 years! The Fantasticks is as fresh and dazzling as ever in this screen adaptation from the original creative team of Tom Jones and Harvey Schmidt. Director Michael Ritchie (A Simple Wish) orchestrates the musical talents of Oscar® winner Joel Grey (Cabaret), Tony Award winner Barnard Hughes (Da), Jean Louisa Kelly (Mr. Holland's Opus) and Joe McIntyre (New Kids On the Block) in a magical, mystical love story inspired by Romeo and Juliet. Two teenagers on neighboring farms steal glances and hide their romance from their feuding fathers. Little do these lovebirds know, however, that their fathers are actually good friends who've hatched a plan with the help of a mystical roving sideshow and its equally mysterious ringmaster to get these lovers down the aisle! But be careful what you wish for. Because to bring these families together they must first be torn apart!

Double Trouble

Musicals

Superstar Elvis Presley ("Jailhouse Rock") stars as an American rock singer who becomes involved with a European teen heiress. Featuring a collection of the King's classics, including "Long Legged Girl." With John Williams (TV's "Family Affair").

Give a Girl a Break

Musicals

When a temperamental star walks out of a big Broadway show, it's time to Give a Girl a Break. But which of the hopefuls will land the lead? Suzy (Debbie Reynolds) brings pizzazz. Joanna (Helen Wood) offers swellegant sophistication. And lovely Madelyn (Marge Champion) is the director's former dance partner and former love. This breezy backstager is memorable for its Burton Lane-Ira Gershwin score and for the once-in-a-lifetime collaboration of three legendary musical-world directors: Stanley Donen (Singin' in the Rain) behind the camera and Gower Champion and Bob Fosse (future directors of, respectively, Broadway's Hello, Dolly and Chicago) bringing dazzling dance grace and physicality to the other side of the lens.

A Night At the Opera

Musicals

The zany Marx Brothers turn an operatic performance into chaos in their efforts to promote their protégé's romance with the leading lady. Considered by many to be the Brothers' finest big budget adventure. Co-starring Marxian regular Margaret Dumont ("Coconuts") and Allan Jones ("Show Boat"). A fun-filled musical romp. Inducted into the Library of Congress National Film Registry and recently selected by the prestigious American Film Institute as one of the top 400 American Films of all time.

By the Light of the Silvery Moon (1953)

Musicals

Doris Day and Gordon MacRae star in an old fashioned musical salute to the small town American family. Inspired by the stories of Booth Tarkington ("The Magnificent Ambersons," "Alice Adams") and set at the end of WWI, it captures the travails of a returning soldier and his fiancee as family complications delay their inevitable wedding. Prequel to "On Moonlight Bay."

Paradise, Hawaiian Style

Musicals

The year was 1966. A little-known series called Star Trek beams up. Valley of the Dolls is the hot book. Half of all TVs sold are color sets. And in Paradise, Hawaiian Style, Elvis takes to the skies over the island paradise of Kauai. He's a partner in a helicopter charter service. Romance, naturally, is in the air for the King... but his business may be grounded. A threatened suspension of his pilot's license means he may have to kiss his assets goodbye.

Can-Can

Musicals

A 1890's Montmartre dance hall owner constantly raided for performing the illegal Can-Can has to use her own resources when an elderly judge is replaced by a younger more serious one. Based on Abe Burrow's play. Music by Cole Porter.

Musicals Movies