That's Entertainment! III (1994)

User Rating:

7.6/10   

Directors:

Bud Friedgen
Michael J. Sheridan

Writers (WGA):

Bud Friedgen (written by) &
Michael J. Sheridan (written by)

Release Date:

July 1994 (USA)

Genre:

Documentary | Family | Music

Plot:

Some of MGM'S musical stars review the studios history of musicals. From _Hollywood Revue of 1929, The (1929)_ to Brigadoon (1954) ...

Plot Keywords:

Musical Filmmaking | Compilation | Singer | Dancer | Sequel

Awards:

1 nomination

Cast

Gene Kelly	...	Himself - Co-host / Narrator (also archive footage)
June Allyson	...	Herself - Co-host / Narrator (also archive footage)
Cyd Charisse	...	Herself - Co-host / Narrator (also archive footage)
Lena Horne	...	Herself - Co-host / Narrator (also archive footage)
Howard Keel	...	Himself - Co-host / Narrator (also archive footage)
Ann Miller	...	Herself - Co-host / Narrator (also archive footage)
Debbie Reynolds	...	Herself - Co-host / Narrator (also archive footage)
Mickey Rooney	...	Himself - Co-host / Narrator (also archive footage)
Esther Williams	...	Herself - Co-host / Narrator (also archive footage)
rest of cast listed alphabetically:
Jeanette MacDonald	...	Herself (clips from "Naughty Marietta" / "Maytime") (archive footage)

Runtime:

113 min

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Color:

Black and White | Color

Aspect Ratio:

2.35 : 1

Sound Mix:

DTS

Certification:

Australia:G (original rating) | Australia:PG (alternate rating) | UK:U | USA:G

Company:

Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer (MGM)

Trivia:

The idea for a third edition was pitched by MGM/UA Home Video head George Feltenstein to then MGM/UA president Alan Ladd Jr. Feltenstein had typed up a list of musical numbers for a potential third movie back in 1976 after returning home from That's Entertainment, Part II (1976). Ladd approved the pitch, but because Feltenstein was a studio exec, he didn't get a screen credit for his contribution.

Quotes:

[last lines]
Gene Kelly: MGM's dream factory created a rich, romantic, compelling world of illusion. And although we may not see anything like it again, we're blessed with memories and miles and miles of film. In the words of Irving Berlin, "The song has ended, but the melody lingers on."

Movie Connections:

Features High Society (1956)

Soundtrack:

Thanks a Lot, but No Thanks

nostalgia part three

The final instalment in MGM's nostalgia fest of old musical clips is presented in much the same way as the first one twenty years earlier, as several luminaries from the studio's past are wheeled out in front of the cameras to reminisce on their time under contract. The film also marks the final appearance of an obviously ailing Gene Kelly, who introduces and closes the proceedings with some poignancy.

Others involved are Donald O'Connor, Mickey Rooney, June Allyson, Lena Horne, Ann Miller, and Esther Williams, and the clips include outtakes and unused material for the first time (a lavish production number intended for The Harvey Girls; Judy Garland's ‘Mr Monotony' from Easter Parade, where she wears her trademark tuxedo and tights for the first time; and early clips from 1930s musicals which were junked).

We also see how an Eleanor Powell number was filmed, with stagehands rearranging the set to allow the camera to get close; and see a comparison of a Fred Astaire number in two different set-ups.

A good attempt to tidy up all the clips we hadn't already seen in TE 1 and 2, and worth a couple of hours of your time.