Now we’ve got YouTube, we might not need compilations of iconic clips, but That’s Entertainment!
The backlot started to be sold off, piecemeal, from the 1970s, as profits fell.
Its not just a collection of clips.
Its a document of a disappearing system.
At the time, a collection of classic clips would have been a rare delight to the moviegoer.
TheThats Entertainment!films dont fit into that category.
Theyre not analytical, or striving for objectivity about the past.
Astaire and Kelly only danced together onscreen twice.
They also presented, separately, forPart I, along with a host of stars from days gone by.
The appeal of this back in 1974 cant be underestimated.
The first film did strong box-office business, perhaps helped by timing.
Do We Need It Now.
So these films are no hard-nosed look at the business of film-making.
Instead its a greatest hits approach to MGMs contract stars.
Theres also the chance to see a collection of clips relating to stars who were absolutely unique.
For instance, the swimming extravanganzas of Esther Williams have to be seen to be believed.
Williams was a US swimming champion who came to the attention of an MGM scout.
The studio decided to create a whole new genre just for her the Aquamusical.
She was the closest thing cinema had to a real superhero.
Of course, anything that isnt owned by MGM simply isnt mentioned.
Still, you get Astaire with Eleanor Powell instead, so you cant really complain.
The compilation film is more than throwing together our favourite moments from the past.
