That's Entertainment, Part II

That's Entertainment, Part II is a fascinating 1976 film produced by Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer. It is the follow-up to the 1974 documentary That's Entertainment and continues the nostalgic celebration of the extraordinary catalogue of MGM's rich musical history. This film is packed with iconic tunes, vintage clips, and memorable moments that celebrate the studio's splendid release of countless beloved musicals over the years.

The film stars legendary dancers, actors and choreographers Fred Astaire and Gene Kelly, two of the best-known figures in dance history who, to the delight of fans everywhere, offer some of their most exquisite dance routines that have immortalized them in Hollywood's annals. In addition to this, the duo serves as the film's host, sharing intriguing anecdotes, behind-the-scenes stories, and affable banter that captivates from beginning to end.

The film is formatted as a compilation, with Astaire and Kelly presenting clips of past movie musicals interspersed with their own sparkling performances and accompaniments. Judy Garland is another featured star whose exceptional vocal and acting talent shines in a series of clips. Among the treasures found in this film, one can revisit scenes from beloved classics such as "An American in Paris,""Singin' in the Rain," and "The Wizard of Oz," among an array of others.

Directed by Gene Kelly, the film honors and appreciates not just the studio and the performances, but also the lesser-known technicians, such as the choreographers, songwriters, and costume designers who diligently work behind the scenes to make cinema magic a reality. It was nominated for a Golden Globe Award for Best Motion Picture - Comedy or Musical and also for an Academy Award for Best Original Score.

That's Entertainment, Part II opens with a fascinating montage of scenes from various films set to the Oscar-nominated title track, "That’s Entertainment," emphasizing the glamour, grandeur, and unforgettable moments that define classic Hollywood musicals. As the film proceeds, viewers are treated to solo and duo performances by Astaire and Kelly, marking their second on-screen appearance together.

The inclusion of such sequences is doubly thrilling, not only bringing back the nostalgia of the golden age of Hollywood but also because it was the last time Astaire and Kelly performed together on-screen, marking it as a significant historical event in itself. The sheer charm of their presentation, coupled with their dynamism and effortless grace, gives this film an irresistible appeal.

That's Entertainment, Part II offers a rich miscellany of film clips, showing the evolution of musical cinema by including segments from silent films, "talkies," black-and-white films, as well as lush Technicolor productions. The comprehensive collection of clips presents viewers with soundtracks from big production numbers, love songs, comedic sequences, dance routines, and dramatic scenes from some of the great MGM musicals.

While it certainly will appeal to fans of Gene Kelly, Fred Astaire, and Judy Garland, this film is also a must-watch for any dedicated film buff or anyone wanting to delve into classic Hollywood musicals. It serves as a crucial landmark of the monumental talent, creativity, and resources that populate the golden age of Hollywood. It's a treasure trove of spectacular moments that remind us of the timeless magic of cinema.

That's Entertainment, Part II is filled with high-energy performances, celebrated songs, and shining stars. It provides a glittering panorama of what Hollywood musicals were all about, an effervescent tribute to a genre that has provided endless entertainment over time. Many of the greatest stars and creators of the golden era of musicals are showcased, making it a true love letter to the craft of filmmaking.

In addition to celebrating the upper echelons of the Hollywood's spectacular musical tradition, the narrative weaves in poignant reminders of the hard work, dedication, and resilience embedded in the creation of these timeless classics. It's a captivating journey that allows viewers to revisit the bygone era with renewed admiration for the musical grandeur of the golden age of cinema.

Simply put, That's Entertainment, Part II is, just like its predecessor, a vibrant tribute to the cinematic spectacles that the MGM studios proudly created, an unabashed celebration of the music, the talent, the glamour, the charm, and the sheer magic of movie musicals.