Cyd Charisse in ‘The Band Wagon’ and ‘Meet Me in Las Vegas’

Ballerina Gabrielle Gerard (Cyd Charisse) dances, in "The Band Wagon." (MGM)

Cyd Charisse was one of the most talented classical ballerinas to grace the screen in classic Hollywood. However, she was often a featured dancer or secondary character, rather than the leading lady. She did star in “The Band Wagon” (1953) and “Meet Me in Las Vegas” (1956). In both films, Charisse leads a talented musical cast as a ballerina who learns to cut loose, and let romance into her life under the influence of her leading men, Fred Astaire and Dan Dailey. 

While “The Band Wagon” is remembered as a great movie musical with its plethora of hit songs and memorable numbers, “Meet Me in Las Vegas” has been largely forgotten. This is a real shame because it has its share of memorable tunes and showstopping numbers. With great singing, dancing, and acting, both movies are a testament to the talent and beauty of this great Hollywood ballerina.

‘The Band Wagon’

In “Band Wagon,” everyone thinks former Hollywood star Tony Adams (Fred Astaire in a thinly veiled take on himself) is all washed up. However, he has a chance for a stage comeback when his long-time friends, married playwrights Lester and Lily Martin (Oscar Levant and Nanette Fabray), invite him to New York to star in their latest creation, an adaptation of “Faust.”

Pretentious director Jeffrey Cordova (Jack Buchanan) contracts ballerina Gabrielle Gerard (Cyd Charisse) to star opposite Tony, with her manager-boyfriend Paul Byrd (James Mitchell) choreographing. Initially, Tony and Gabrielle dislike each other, and Tony feels out of his depth with the classical choreography. After the show flops, the cast bands together and goes back to their original lighthearted show. On its way to Broadway, the show provides a setting for a blossoming romance between Tony and Gabrielle.

Gabriella Gerard (Cyd Charisse) and Tony Adams (Fred Astaire) dances together, in "The Band Wagon." (MGM)

This film features an all-star cast and an unparalleled score of hits: These include catchy Astaire solos “By Myself” and “A Shine on Your Shoes,” the famous song and dance trio “That’s Entertainment,” hilarious specialty number “Triplets,” and the leading couple’s romantic “impromptu” routine to “Dancing in the Dark.” The whodunnit spectacular “The Girl Hunt,” features Astaire as a hardboiled detective and Charisse as both a sensitive, frightened blonde and a seductive brunette reminiscent of her famous flapper character in “Singin’ in the Rain.” Their dancing together is graceful and effortless, seamlessly blending the two dance styles into one.

‘Meet Me in Las Vegas’

In “Meet Me in Las Vegas,” rancher Chuck Rodwell (Dan Dailey) makes his annual gambling trip to Las Vegas. When he holds the hand of ballerina Maria Corvier (Cyd Charisse) “just for luck,” he wins. Although she isn’t impressed by his forwardness, he’s convinced she brings him good luck. When he kisses her from excitement at proving their luck at a roulette table, she requests to go to dinner, see a floorshow, dance, and experience the fun she’s been missing. Chuck comes to see her ballet rehearsal, and he’s entranced by her beauty and grace. He invites Maria out to his farm, and a romance flourishes

A colorful group of performers, including quartet “The Four Aces,” comedian Jerry Colonna, songstress Lena Horne, crooner Frankie Laine, and delightful child-performer Mitsuko Sawamura, perform the movie’s diverse, delightful array of musical numbers. Catchy tunes “My Lucky Charm” and “The Gal with the Yeller Shoes,” both performed twice during the film, stand out. Also included are Miss Horne’s memorable solo “If You Can Dream,” Frankie Laine’s dramatic number “Hell Hath No Fury,” and Cara Williams’s brazen rendition of “I Refuse to Rock and Roll.”

Maria Corvier (Cyd Charisse) and Chuck Rodwell (Dan Dailey), in "Meet Me in Las Vegas." (MGM)

Charisse’s ballet training is showcased beautifully in an abridged, mid-century take on Tchaikovsky’s classic ballet, “The Sleeping Beauty.” However, the piece-de-resistance is the swinging update on a classic tale, “Frankie and Johnny,” narrated by Sammy Davis Jr. and featuring familiar Hollywood dancer and choreographer John Brascia as Charisse’s partner. Easily rivaling “The Girl Hunt” and “Broadway Melody Ballet” as Charisse’s best ballet fusion piece, this glitzy number showcases the ballerina at her best, flashing both ballet and tap technique in her high heels and sequined gown.

Great Scores

“The Band Wagon” is undeniably the more famous movie, having garnered great fame from its appearance in the popular musical overview “That’s Entertainment.” Nevertheless, “Meet Me in Las Vegas” is not to be overlooked. I have a slight preference for the latter film, especially its two main ballet numbers. While “The Girl Hunt” is certainly a hard piece to beat, “Frankie and Johnny” is one of my favorite dance sequences from any classic film. It features dazzling choreography, striking costumes, and a fascinating Bonnie and Clyde flair which speaks to me personally.

Maria Corvier (Cyd Charisse) dances, in "Meet Me in Las Vegas." (MGM)

“The Band Wagon” is certainly not to be rivaled for its successful score. When I rewatched it recently, it struck me that nearly every song is a well-remembered classic in the Great American Songbook. The first ballet number, which introduces Charisse’s character, is quite spectacular, with beautiful costumes and a stunning backdrop.

As a performer and producer myself, I found the realistic view of all that goes into putting on a production fascinating, if slightly stressful, due to its hectic accuracy. The subplot of Tony’s concern about his and Gabrielle’s height difference is also funny and relatable to anyone experienced in ballet partnering. Next to the fabulous final number, the “Dancing in the Dark” scene in the park is probably my favorite musical number. Watching Charisse and Astaire moving as one is gorgeous, and, in context, watching their characters finally learn to work together is wonderfully satisfying.

Whether you prefer a behind-the-scenes “let’s put on a show” storyline, or a classic love tale which proves the old saying “lucky at cards, unlucky in love,” these two fun musicals are sure to entertain and entrance you.

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