Gene Kelly and Fred Astaire present more golden moments from the MGM film library, this time including comedy and drama as well as classic musical numbers.
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. See more »
Quotes
Esther Williams:
For 12 years I was the center of an amazing series of vivid sights and water pageantry. And I loved every minute of it.
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Crazy Credits
A notice in the end credits says that "The MGM musical classics excerpted in this film are available in their entirety on videocassette and laser disc from MGM/UA home video." See more »
Opening with a Gene Kelly-introduced segment concerning early efforts to develop musical stars and material, this third installment of the THAT'S ENTERTAINMENT series quickly segues into celebrity-introduced film clips from MGM musicals--clips that range from familiar favorites to out-takes, rarities, and numbers that were cut from films before their release. The narrators are well scripted, well filmed, and often interject insightful personal notes by introducing clips from their own movies.
Such is particularly the case with the legendary Lena Horne, who presents a casually-spoken but quite powerful narrative about the racism that limited her career. But the real power of THAT'S ENTERTAINMENT III is in it's "never-before-seen" footage--footage that includes memorable performances by Judy Garland, Fred Astaire, Cyd Charisse, and Lena Horne among others. The film also offers the chance to see some truly rare bits of film, including Vaudeville acts hoping for film stardom, scenes from the early Technicolor and never-completed film MARCH OF TIME, and pre-code bathing-beauties. THAT'S ENTERTAINMENT III doesn't have quite the same dash and splash or variety as the original THAT'S ENTERTAINMENT, but it moves at a smart pace, and fans of movie musicals will find a great deal to enjoy. Recommended.
Gary F. Taylor, aka GFT, Amazon Reviewer
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Opening with a Gene Kelly-introduced segment concerning early efforts to develop musical stars and material, this third installment of the THAT'S ENTERTAINMENT series quickly segues into celebrity-introduced film clips from MGM musicals--clips that range from familiar favorites to out-takes, rarities, and numbers that were cut from films before their release. The narrators are well scripted, well filmed, and often interject insightful personal notes by introducing clips from their own movies.
Such is particularly the case with the legendary Lena Horne, who presents a casually-spoken but quite powerful narrative about the racism that limited her career. But the real power of THAT'S ENTERTAINMENT III is in it's "never-before-seen" footage--footage that includes memorable performances by Judy Garland, Fred Astaire, Cyd Charisse, and Lena Horne among others. The film also offers the chance to see some truly rare bits of film, including Vaudeville acts hoping for film stardom, scenes from the early Technicolor and never-completed film MARCH OF TIME, and pre-code bathing-beauties. THAT'S ENTERTAINMENT III doesn't have quite the same dash and splash or variety as the original THAT'S ENTERTAINMENT, but it moves at a smart pace, and fans of movie musicals will find a great deal to enjoy. Recommended.
Gary F. Taylor, aka GFT, Amazon Reviewer