Gene Kelly, who had just made "The Pirate" with Judy and would make several other movies subsequent to this one with her, had been the studio's original choice until he broke his ankle. Kelly would've been a better choice, too, if for no other reason than he was 13 years younger than Astaire and only 11 years older than Judy (and Ann Miller). Age discrepancies like these creep me out a bit, but it's not the only creepy thing to me in/about "Easter Parade." Although it fits perfectly with the plot, you can almost feel how uncomfortable Judy feels dancing with Fred at several points. All this said, Fred is still plenty spry (as ably demonstrated in the toy store sequence), and I'm sure MGM was mighty grateful he agreed to end his supposed retirement to step in for Gene. Why do I still give it 6/10, you might ask? Well, Ann Miller is my favorite female tap dancer (I say "female," since my favorites are such men as Bill Robinson and the Nicholas Brothers) and Ann's Shaking the Blues number is just great. Add to that the usual stellar singing from Judy Garland, and it's a 6.
Review of Easter Parade
