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From the 1930s to the early 1950s, musicals dominated the big screen.
Below, in no particular order, are 25 of those inspirational films.
The 1954A Star Is Bornwas one of Judy Garlands last films and also one of her best.
Their Jumpin Jive performance inStormy Weatheris the Nicholas Brothers at their best.
The Nicholas Brothers inspired dancers from every studio with their elegance, control, and creativity.
Fred Astaire later remarked that the Jumpin Jive was the greatest movie musical number hed ever witnessed.
The Brooklyn-born composer wrote the piece during his short stay in Paris.
The sequence begins after Kellys sketch floats away in the wind, becoming the backdrop and opening the sequence.
Astaire later said, She learned steps faster than anyone Ive ever known.
Id show her a routine before lunch.
Shed be back right after lunch and have it down to perfection.
Producer Arthur Freed remarked, Even her mother came to me about it.
It was the first of a series of biographical musicals to come out of MGM.
Irving Berlins song Top Hat, White Tie and Tales comes to life through Astaires rapid footwork.
The films most striking performance may be its finale, The Aquacade.
Williamss synchronized routine ends with swimmers twirling around high-reaching fountains spewing both water and fire.
The films are unconnected plot-wise, but each one centers on a performer working toward their big break.
Thankfully, this time around they had the wit and sensitivity to forgo the blackface.
(Other VistaVision works include the 1957 Fred AstaireAudrey Hepburn musicalFunny Faceand Alfred Hitchcocks 1958 filmVertigo.)
Director Vincente Minnelli actually used Astaire as inspiration for the story.
The song-and-dance numbers in most musicals, when done correctly, are meant to progress the characters story.
Though the films most famous performance Chica Chica Boom Chic is a duet, Miranda far outshines Ameche.
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