The Movie Musical!

The Movie Musical!

<b>Irresistible and authoritative, <i>The Movie Musical!</i> is an in-depth look at the singing, dancing, happy-making world of Hollywood musicals, beautifully illustrated in color and black-and-white--an essential text for anyone who's ever laughed, cried, or sung along at the movies.</b><br><br>Leading film historian Jeanine Basinger reveals, with her trademark wit and zest, the whole story of the Hollywood musical--in the most telling, most incisive, most detailed, most gorgeously illustrated book of her long and remarkable career. <br>     From Fred Astaire, whom she adores, to <i>La La Land</i>, which she deplores, Basinger examines a dazzling array of stars, strategies, talents, and innovations in the history of musical cinema. Whether analyzing a classic Gene Kelly routine, relishing a Nelson-Jeanette operetta, or touting a dynamic hip hop number (in the underrated <i>Idlewild</i>), she is a canny and charismatic guide to the many ways that song and dance have been seen--and heard--on film. <br>     With extensive portraits of everyone from Al Jolson, the Jazz Singer; to Doris Day, whose iconic sunniness has overshadowed her dramatic talents; from Deanna Durbin, that lovable teen-star of the '30s and '40s; to Shirley T. and Judy G.; from Bing to Frank to Elvis; from Ann Miller to Ann-Margret; from Disney to <i>Chicago</i> . . . focusing on many beloved, iconic films (<i>Top Hat; Singin' in the Rain; Meet Me in St. Louis; The Sound of Music</i>) as well as unduly obscure gems (Eddie Cantor's <i>Whoopee!; Murder at the Vanities; Sun Valley Serenade; One from the Heart</i>), this book is astute, informative, and pure pleasure to read.