Originally intended as a re-teaming of Judy Garland and Gene Kelly under Vincente Minnelli's direction after The Pirate, this turned out to be one of MGM's great seasonal delights. Producer Arthur Freed coaxed Fred Astaire out of retirement when Kelly broke his ankle and entrusted the direction to the brilliant craftsman Charles Walters, and the result was simply wonderful. Aided by terrific Irving Berlin songs and radiant Technicolor design - all browns and greens - Astaire, Garland and Walters made an all-time classic, with Fred and Judy particularly outstanding in the perennial favourite A Couple of Swells. The screenplay is witty, co-star Ann Miller dances up a storm, and this is the one opportunity to enjoy the talents of Astaire and Garland on screen together. Don't miss.

On the day before Easter in 1911, Don Hewes is crushed when his dancing partner (and object of affection) Nadine Hale refuses to start a new contract with him. To prove Nadine's not important to him, Don acquires innocent new protege Hannah Brown, vowing to make her a star in time for next year's Easter parade.