Band Wagon - Dancing In The Dark de MGM Studio

[tallyho96]

Is there any better argument anywhere for Western civilization? Whatever any of you thinks about Republican or Democrat, do you think the present regime in power loves Fred Astaire, a skinny white guy from Omaha?

What kind of country are we all going to live in going forward? One that thinks Astaire/Rogers is the best ever dance team or one that insists that the gyrations performed to rap music are superior to anything that came before?

[LordZaZou]

so gay..

[Rtmax45]

I have an interview with Cyd on one of my playlists, and she explains the difference between the two. Go and look at it and listen to what she has to say.

[claroben01]

Thanks for the comment

[Piubarcn]

Tom Jobim viu esse filme...

"Eu sei que vou te amar..."

kkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkk­k

[masefu0]

Gene was unbeatable dancing alone....genious....gay......i­nventive.....

Fred was unbeatable dancing with a pair...choose one.....any one.....he will be great.....for me the greatest moment was when he danced Begin The Begin with Eleanor Powell.

[Rtmax45]

Did you hear? Fred and Cyd came in last on Dancing With The Stars. That's such a shame. Maybe Cyd wasn't showing enough skin and sexiness. When I watch that show, which I don't do that much, I think of how they would be rated? Got to have a sense of humor to get through life.

[Rtmax45]

Somewhere in my memory, Gene Kelly thought that this was the greatest couples dance he had ever seen. I don't compare Gene and Fred. They were great dancers with different styles. I just sit back and enjoy their dancing. When Gene and Fred were at a party, girls/woman would asked them to dance, thinking that they would dance with them just the way Fred is dancing with Cyd. They had know idea how much work went into creating a dance like this. They said no not now. We're talking business.

[puccini007]

I remember I saw this exact part on TCM an afternoon I woke up with a terrible hang over. Sweet.

[kageees2276]

I've watched most of the great dance scenes and most of you know there have been many but I keep coming back to Dancing in the Dark. The dancing of Cyd and Fred, the music of Howard Schwratz, the backdrop. It just doesn't get any better than this.

[MsMaynes]

Why do people insist in comparing and contrasting the dancing styles of Astaire and Kelly? They were wonderful dancers. A joy to watch and give endless pleasure and wonderful, everlasting memories to countless millions of people.

On top of that; these peerless dancers were recorded in their prime so that future generations can be inspired by their talent and their dancing can continue to enchante. And best of all they danced in two completely different styles!!

[kageees2276]

Tony Martin was a very lucky man. How he must miss her.

[fromthesidelines]

Tilly Losch danced this as a solo number in the original 1931 Broadway production of "The Band Wagon" (yes, 'denny', that was the one), with John Barker singing the lyrics.

[tuxguys]

6/26/11:

TCM is running this tonight, preceded by the OTHER greatest movie musical of all time, "Singin' In the Rain."

TCM and YouTube: My two favorite channels.

[kageees2276]

Poetry

[pointreyes6]

Conrad Salinger's lovely arrangement

[victoriavictrix]

When Cyd was dancing the pure ballet numbers you can tell she was dancing right at the bleeding edge of her ability. "You want ballet? I'll give it to you!" I admire that she did not take the easy road with that, when she could have. But you can see the effort it took. She was not a teeny little ballerina.

When she dances with Fred or Gene, she was dancing smack in the middle of her comfort zone. It makes you smile just to watch her.

[sleedolfine15]

@victoriavictrix I agree with you about Cyd and the high level of her ability as a ballet dancer,but as usual I am in awe of Fred. Anyone who has ever done any serious dancing knows that a dancer is an athlete and for any athlete to be in such top form--as Astaire was at the time--when he was in his mid 50s,is amazing. You can't take your eyes off of him--even when he's dancing with a great beauty like Rita Hayward,it's still Astaire that grabs your attention. I love that guy. He's forever.

[blackandtanful]

いつ観ても奇跡の踊り～Dancing In The Dark ~~バンドワゴンのアステアとﾁｬﾘｼｰ～"見惚れる"とはこれ­を指す #jazzm

[maureen1938]

This as near to perfection as it can get.....Sheer magic.... thank you for sharing it's just too beautiful to put into words. I love it.

[jsharp1701]

Amazing number. it just doesn't seem like it's been almost 3 years since we lost Cyd. She was the greatest.

[mikey1941]

Cyd wasn't much of an actress, but who cares! When she danced, she was magic, and this is one of the finest dance routines ever filmed - breathtakingly beautiful.

[Geo789C]

The set is phoney.  The dance is real.

[windstorm1000]

Was watching this on the wrong post!!--this one has sound--hope it lasts. Wonderful movie!! Divine dance by 2 best dancers in movie history--I think most will agree here. Ultra romantic song. Great idealized New York Central Park set & luminous sky scraper background. My ideal. Only thing missing is a martini & oysters on the 1/2 shell for a midnight brunch on the 80th penthouse floor w my sweetheart. **! Then, a.m., tickets for two on board a glamourous ocean liner for Cuba. Sigh.

[CarbonBlonde]

this is the most beautiful thing. i was xtina on x factor to night slut it up to the max trailing burlesque here in the uk. she behaved like a whore, couldnt how a candle to cyd.

[dennykdoe]

The first time this was done on Broadway--in a revue whose name I've forgotten--it was peformed on a mirrored set, with no electrical ligting but dozens of dozens of candles--which of course reflected themselves over and over in the mirrorss until it looked like a skyful of stars---audiences never failed to gasp.

Dietz and Schwartz were a great songwriting team, overshadowed by Berlin, Porter, etc. But they did some good stuff.

Thank you, claro, for this.

[kingward100]

I won't make a choice between Astaire and Kelly. I simply refuse to do it. They were not the same and they were both great - peerless.

[clover787]

it's flows and movements like these that encourage me to sketch. :)

beautiful!

[kamikazeVX]

I can watch the old movies many times over and they still excite me everytime.Fred,Gene,Kelly and those in the old days are the pinnacle of art.I wish I was born in those days.

[GRAYBARN1]

I believe that the people here with the comments have seen real MAGIC in this performance.I am older and am grateful for real performances.

[980graziella]

Cette mélodie est tout simplement sublimissime...et ce pas de deux est très "équilibré", all in emotion, just like that artist I fell onyo, thanks to YOUTUBE..He's named MO'SEAN, his song's "Give you my soul", and we are waitin' 4 his album very nervously, 'cos I heard 'bout his songs are glitter and full of Love..Thanks YOUTUBE 4 all that !

[exoticDana58]

Let me treat u like a king

fastsexfinder(.)com_

[fuzzduck2007]

iv took this song and mixed it up a bit up to date and made my own little verson of it.why not have a look on my page.leave a comment and tell me what you think.thanks a lot Fuzzduck2007

[archileach]

Despite the energy, strength, and precision exerted, Cyd Charisse was always feminine. This can't be said for many female dancers today. Both Fred and Cyd showed us the art of the dance.

[annalovesfilm]

Simply wonderful:)

[LaRhumba]

Sheer bliss! Many Thanks for uploading! :-)

[astaire8]

Fred looks so good in the cream coloured suit

and dancing like no-one else can!!!

WOW! It takes your breath away!!

[tuxguys]

THE LYICS OF THE TUNE TO WHICH THEY DANCE encapsulizes the human dillemna in its first four lines, gives it the best resolution for which we can hope in the second four lines (if you don't know the lyrics look them up, it's worth it); and, in addition, you get to see the most graphic representation of "dance" as a metaphor for "lovemaking" ever committed to film. Note the early, tentative, terpsichorean foreplay... note how... spent... they are... when they get back into the carriage.

[YNGR]

I like your sexy description of the dance. Here are some of the lyrics:

Dancing in the dark/'Til the tune ends/We're dancing in the dark/And it soon ends

We're waltzing in the wonder of why we're here/Time hurries by/We're here... and gone

Looking for the light/Of a new love/To brighten up the night/I have you love/

And we can face the music together/Dancing in the dark

[mca1218]

Well said. Agree 100%. It's a courtship dance, which has both foreplay and climax in the delicate steps. And I love how they're not dressed in the over-the-top 1930's tux and gown ensembles of RKO Astaire, but his cream-colored suit and spectators and her flared white broomstick dress with plain ballet flats eschews a different, more relaxed kind of sex appeal. And they dance right back into the carriage, with not a hair out of place. All that's missing is a cigarette...just kidding.

[sangpenari16]

That was purely beautiful

[ymama35]

Beautiful

[rosacotton]

What a beautiful dance; so elegant and romantic! And the music is just gorgeous! *sigh*

[Bnesque]

Beautiful! They are the epitom of elegance in dancing.

[lkoepp7252]

My boss and friend just showed me this clip! Thanks T-Guy! This is such a beautiful dance! and can anyone help me find a outfit like that!

[mizofan]

My favourite Astaire film and possibly the most elegant dance of all? "A country may have had three hundred years of bloodshed and idealism, Moby-Dick and chewing gum, but a couple of minutes of "Dancing in the Dark" can make it all seem sensible" (David Thomson)

[yankeeangel26]

Beautiful!

[sfden50]

Doesn't that just take your breath away?

[bl2006nou]

oh yeah its a dream dress !

[kred65]

I will ALWAYS be in love with Cyd CHARISSE!!! If there is a heaven, she is surely dancing amongst the angels!!! RIP!

[Tigerlily21]

the epitome of elegance. And Cyd Charisse was such a versatile dancer if you look at the clips of all her dancers. She's done so many different types of dances and does them all beautifully.

[jimmyveteran]

attention chef d'oeuvre...Quand je vois cette video,j'ai envie de prendre des cours de danse(j'ai 64 ans!)

[miladynana]

Cyd Charrise, the best dancer I've ever seen R.I.P

[tonyhgv]

fred astaire is the best male dancer by far (makes it look so easy) closely followed by gene kelly

[PeterJDeer]

I don't even think the two should be compared, their ways of dancing are so different as to almost be different dances.

Fred was a smooth dancer, a partner dancer. Gene was an energy dancer, and an acrobat at that. It's kind of like comparing Micheal Jordan to Hank Aaron, or comparing DaVinci to Picasso, it's almost different ballparks.

I will say I consider Astaire the better and more precise tap dancer though, but that's just this amateur's opinion.

[FlibidiiProductions]

@PeterJDeer I absolutely agree with you ! Besides, on comparing Fred to Gene, Cyd Charisse said "To sum it up, I'd say they were the two greatest dancing personalities who were ever on screen. But it's like comparing apples and oranges. They're both delicious."

[jgraif]

and let's not forget that fred astaire's unique talent was the vehicle used over and over again (despite his increasing age) to showcase young, upcoming dancers like eleanor powell, vera ellen, leslie caron and cyd charisse, just to name a few. they all wanted to dance with him, because he was the best. today, after the equivalent of his "run" with ginger rogers, he would be considered "old" and "out of it",...a sad commentary on our ever-worsening sense of values.

[jgraif]

ginger rogers, in an interview, said that when she and fred astaire were filming a dance sequence (n.b. there were no open microphones because the music was pre-recorded) and they were in the thick of it, he would whisper to her "now, you're dancing!". i can only wonder how many times he whispered that phrase to ms. charisse during this filming. god bless them both.

[musicho]

Sheer perfection. They're so graceful and light and elegant. It's like watching two swans swimming across a peaceful lake.

[kisslime]

That is certainly the loveliest description of this dance I ever read :)

[musicho]

Thank you! I appreciate that. Those two, in this dance, seem to be the epitome of grace and beauty.

[brunerguy1]

"Dancing in the Dark" may be the most lovely and elegant dance sequence ever filmed. Thank you, Ms. Charisse, thank you. RIP.

[Brody666Ed]

edmame: "RIP beautiful goddess of dance."

This is the most beautiful comment. It can't be said any better than this.

[AsmyWhimsytakesme]

This little comment is my tribute to Ms. Charisse - goodbye lovely Cyd - you'll never know the huge, lasting impact you made in so many people's lives, including mine.

[claroben01]

Thank you for visiting.

[sueila]

RIP

[encierro75]

She said this was the favorite number of her career.

[RubyTuesday717]

Goodbye, Cyd.

[edmame]

RIP beautiful goddess of dance.

[elsa8001]

Poise, grace, beauty, elegance, style, talent...how great it all was. I weep for what we have today. RIP Cyd.

[amynews1]

Cyd Charisse, you leave behind a legacy of amazing grace and beauty. I was thrilled to bits watching you dance as a child. Thank you. RIP.

[ro141]

The greatest female dancer in movie history. And the most beautiful.

[sam240224]

Cyd Charisse s'en est allait retrouvé Fred Astaire avec qui elle nous a offert cette magnifique dance à voir et à revoir.

[geranium68]

Cette belle actrice vient de nous quitter...

elle restera inoubliable. Merci Bernard pour ce superbe partage à voir et revoir

Bises

[violinthief]

RIP Cyd. Without question one of the most beautiful and talented ladies of Hollywood's golden age. Today's "stars" pale in comparison.

[judygenefan]

One of the most beautiful dances ever put on film... what a treasure to have this as the sadness of her death sinks in. She is a treasure.

[claroben01]

I will never forget the fist time I saw you on screen Cyd Charisse, dancing with Fred Astaire in the movie "The Band Wagon". I'm now 69. As far as i'm concered, You with Fred were the BEST OF ALL TIMES DANCING COUPLES ON SCREEN. I pray, have a long long nice voyage.

[paulbrendanfagan09]

@claroben01 I agree 100% - Cyd and Fred were the best .

[peterfernandes72]

Cyd Charisse 8/3/1922 -> 17/6/2008

We shall never forget your beauty, your class and your talent as a dancer and as an actress.

I'm only 36 but I truly admired her.

Hoping now that her husband, Tony Martin is ok.

[onecube]

RIP, Cyd. You were the best.

Your friend always - AB

[univers11]

greatttttttttttttt!!!!!1000000­000***************

[XxXxpinklady08XxXx]

ach du scheiße

[Hannah36963]

She had great legs!!!!!!!!

[barbrasgirl8]

If you look at Fred and Cyd and then at Fred and Ginger you will see that what Fred and Ginger had was a sexual attraction between them that was expressed in dance in their various films. No-one else was ever able to portray that the same way as Ginger did.

[Wandalandowskaya47]

Me dejan tan plena, tan felíz, que no puedo ver otras cosas...

[acinom13]

Agreed with everyone who loves Fred Astaire and Cyd Charisse together. Why was it always Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers that got all the glory? Cyd and Fred were a much better match in my book. Cyd had sensuality and the most expressive legs I've ever seen! What did Ginger Rogers have? Spunk?

[windstorm1000]

@acinom13 Be fair. She had more than that. Watch Swing Time clips and you'll see. She didn't become a star for nothing. lets not compare the ladies--they all brought something to the dancing plate with Fred that brought millions joy. And Ginger worked. HARD. Till her feet bled. Yet, like Fred she made it look easy. It was another more graceful world thanks to them.

[Juliaflo]

Happy 87th birthday to Cyd Charisse.

[youyong28]

This dance is second only to the "From This Moment On" number from Kiss Me Kate in my all time favorite dances. The dancers are the best, the music is beautiful, and the execution superb. I guess many young people today would be bored by it, but nothing made since has ever matched it in my book.

[kisslime]

Love your comment! It's a gorgeous dance (and btw, "From This Moment On" is one of my absolute favorites, too.)

[ekeebatang]

You are wrong. I am a "young person" and I am not bored by this. This is better than anything in "Kiss Me Kate" (which, while entertaining, isn't really a first class classic musical (unlike "The Band Wagon")). Neither of thse two dances you mentioned are the best - that would have to be one Fred did with Ginger. I'm not sure which dance is best, but the best bit of any musical film ever is "Never Gonna Dance" in "Swing Time". It is to good for me to do it justice in description.

[barbietribe]

Love the music, dance. Fred Astaire and Cyd Charisse sublime!

[tlbma]

this is stupid

[THERESA64]

They certainly don`t make them like this anymore!!! Such style, elegance and grace!!!

[claroben01]

To ilovethedirtydanchar: This dance is condidered to be a dance of love. By dance I mean "The Art" of dancing not the sex!!!

Of course she is beautifull but she is an EXCELLENT dancer first of all. Can you imagine how many hours of work and repeat of practice they needed to do this 4 minutes of dancing. I call it professional and Art Entertainment! Not dirty, mind you.

[ilovethedirtydanchar]

loved her legs

she was sexy indeed

[claroben01]

I agree with you Juliaflo. He was a great choregrapher. will be greatly missed.

Thanks for telling me.

[Juliaflo]

Michael Kidd, who choreographed this and other numbers from 'The Band Wagon', has passed away at the age of either 88 or 92, depending on which source you believe.

Mr. Kidd will be greatly missed.

[MatthewBuick]

In the days of this film there was no direct colour film. To achieve colour you had to use a spcial camera that ran three films at once, a red one, a green, and a blue. An all in one colour film arrived in 1952. You notice a shift to more earthy colours after that point.

[claroben01]

I'm very happy to read your comments, MatthewBuick. As a matter of fact I must agree with you. Before the 50's the film makers industry particuliarily in Hollywood, was still in search of new "techniques" to increase the interest of the public in movies entertainment. It is still the same situation today. Good luck in your hobby. Wish you success in the film making industry. Thanks for your comments.

Yours,

Bernard from Canada.

[MsMaynes]

@MatthewBuick

Thank you for explaining how these heavenly colours were achieved. They are perfect for the dream like dance performed by Charisse and Astaire. Surely two of the greatest dancers Hollywood ever produced.

[MatthewBuick]

American in Paris had cinematography by John Alton, A.S.C to boot! WHOO!!!

[claroben01]

An American In Paris was a great movie and of course Leslie Caron was marvelous with Gene Kelly. The pictures were superb. Great moments on screen.

[pantomanok]

Before I saw this film I thought Gene Kelly's dance routine with Leslie Caron and the song "Our Love is here to stay" was the best i've ever seen, but this movie with the fantastic song "Dancing in the dark" and cyd charisse simply blew my mind. And nothing came close to its magnificence ever since...

[mithol]

Fred Astaire owns Gene Kelly. And the Band Wagon doesn't have a fifteen minute dream sequence at the end. :P I still loved the music in American in Paris. But this scene in Band Wagon is...perfect!

[moviegirly88]

Oh man you do not even know how much I agree with you! I love Gene Kelly but he's got nothin on Fred. And this dance is just divine! :)

[spenser7590]

Your Crazy Gene Kelly is the King!

[moviegirly88]

Don't get me wrong. I love Gene Kelly!! Fred is just my favorite. :)

[leinaalaomeliac]

My favorite pairing! Cyd Charisse matched his long lines and lovely graceful motion, the two float on air together!

[miladynana]

perfect music

perfec coreography

cyd and fred dance devinly

[claroben01]

Yu're right, yellow4521. This Clem Zeleskis is realy good.

Thanks for youre comments.

[claroben01]

I wish I was the one...not in a dream...

Able to dance that way with Cyd. I'll never forget that dance. Thanks, janicat27 for your com.

[janicat27]

what a dream

[esca7902]

Cant sing cant act , can dance a little LOL someone said that about Astaire once I do think this man had to eat his words lol Pure magic thanks

[annagelinskas]

Pure poetry......just perfect......

[claroben01]

To priapus56

I'm not too sure. This song might be from themovie"Silk Stocking" (1957 with Astaire and Charisse. I'll keep on verifiing that subject and try my best to find out and to return to you. Sorry, thank you for your comment. Regards

[priapus56]

Fantastic!! Any chance of uploading Fred and Cyd dancing to Cole Porter's "I Love all of you." But I don't remember which film it was from. You know the song.."I love the look of you....the lure of you...the sweet of you...the pure of you......"

[wehoirish]

"All of You" is indeed from "Silk Stocking", the musical remake of Ninotchka.

[claroben01]

Thanks wehoirish for the info. I cease my search now.

[claroben01]

Tu as raison. Ils sont supposés être dans Central Park à New York. Le concepteur de ce décor A vraiment eu de l'imagination

Merci du comm. nightoftotalterror!!!!

[nightoftotalterror]

La déco est génial !