That’s Entertainment, Part II Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

Elderly song-and-dance legends Fred Astaire and Gene Kelly raid MGM’s archives for a second time, proving that even their ‘B-sides’ of classic musicals, comedies, and dramas are more entertaining than your average Tuesday night, all while roller skating in Paris.

🍿 That’s Entertainment, Part II: Detailed Plot Synopsis

A Return to MGM’s Archives

Building on the success of the original, ‘That’s Entertainment, Part II’ offers another deep dive into Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer’s expansive film library. This installment broadens its scope beyond just musicals, incorporating iconic scenes from MGM’s comedy and drama productions as well. The film is co-hosted by legendary stars Fred Astaire and Gene Kelly, who guide viewers through this cinematic retrospective. Their segments provide a charming framework, linking together a diverse array of clips that highlight the studio’s unparalleled talent and glamorous legacy.

Beyond Musicals: Comedy and Drama Highlights

While the film still features an abundance of dazzling musical numbers from stars like Judy Garland, Frank Sinatra, and Ann Miller, it notably expands to include memorable moments from MGM’s non-musical films. Viewers can enjoy comedic genius from the Marx Brothers and Laurel and Hardy, alongside dramatic performances from icons such as Spencer Tracy, Katharine Hepburn, and Greta Garbo. This wider selection offers a more comprehensive look at MGM’s output during its Golden Age, showcasing the studio’s versatility and the depth of its star power across multiple genres. The carefully curated clips serve as a vibrant tribute to a bygone era of moviemaking.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Fred Astaire (Fred Astaire): The esteemed co-host who gracefully guides viewers through classic MGM film clips and performs new, engaging dance routines.
• Gene Kelly (Gene Kelly): The energetic co-host and director of the film’s new segments, who presents archival footage and engages in new dance performances.
• Judy Garland (Judy Garland): A beloved musical icon whose powerful singing and acting performances from classic MGM films are a prominent part of the compilation.
• Frank Sinatra (Frank Sinatra): A charismatic musical star whose unique singing and acting talents are highlighted through a dedicated montage of his MGM film appearances.
• Katharine Hepburn (Katharine Hepburn): A formidable dramatic actress whose memorable scenes, particularly with Spencer Tracy, showcase MGM’s excellence beyond musicals.
• Spencer Tracy (Spencer Tracy): A highly acclaimed dramatic actor whose compelling performances, often alongside Katharine Hepburn, add significant non-musical depth to the film.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Gene Kelly: “Fred, I hear tap dancing is popular again.” – A casual remark made to Fred Astaire during one of their newly filmed segments, hinting at the enduring appeal of classic dance.
• Fred Astaire / Gene Kelly (as hosts): “The best films have the audience leaving the film with a glow.” – A shared reflection by the hosts on the lasting impact and magic that great movies impart to their viewers.
• Greta Garbo: “I want to be alone.” – An iconic line spoken in a clip from ‘Grand Hotel’, highlighted as an example of MGM’s dramatic legacy.
• Rhett Butler (Clark Gable): “Frankly, my dear, I don’t give a damn.” – The famous closing line from the ‘Gone with the Wind’ clip, showcased as one of Hollywood’s most memorable dramatic moments.
• Judy Garland: “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas.” – A beloved song performed by Judy Garland in a clip from ‘Meet Me in St. Louis’, featured as a poignant musical highlight of the compilation.

💰Box Office

• Budget: Unknown
• Domestic Gross: $4,979,380
• Worldwide Gross: $4,979,380

💥 That’s Entertainment, Part II Reviews

Personal Review

Stepping into ‘That’s Entertainment, Part II’ felt like a warm hug of nostalgia, especially as a fan of classic Hollywood. I was immediately charmed by the sheer joy of seeing Fred Astaire and Gene Kelly share the screen again, dancing together. Their camaraderie, even if some of the new segments felt a bit corny, was absolutely priceless. I loved the broadened scope, pulling in dramatic and comedic gems alongside the dazzling musical numbers. The montage of Tracy and Hepburn, the Marx Brothers’ stateroom scene – it truly reminded me of MGM’s incredible range. While a few clips felt a bit random or short, the overall experience left me with that ‘glow’ the film promises, eager to revisit all those wonderful full features.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of classic Hollywood musicals”
  • “Enthusiasts of the Golden Age of Cinema”
  • “Viewers interested in film history and retrospectives”
  • “Fans of Fred Astaire and Gene Kelly”
  • “Families looking for wholesome entertainment”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “None (Rated U)”

Professional Reviews

• IMDb User Review: “While not reaching the heights of its predecessor, ‘That’s Entertainment, Part II’ still offers a delightful journey through MGM’s vast library, this time including drama and comedy alongside the iconic musicals. The true magic lies in seeing Fred Astaire and Gene Kelly, two titans of dance, performing together again. Despite some corny interludes and questionable editing choices, the sheer wealth of talent on display, from Judy Garland’s poignant renditions to the Marx Brothers’ comedic genius, makes it an undeniable treat for fans of classic Hollywood.
• IMDb User Review: “‘That’s Entertainment, Part II’ suffers from a lack of cohesion and an abundance of clunky narration. Unlike the structured original, clips are thrown together with little rhyme or reason, and Fred Astaire and Gene Kelly are saddled with terribly corny dialogue. While individual clips are undeniably charming, like Ethel Waters’s ‘Taking a Chance on Love’ or Bobby Van’s infamous ‘hop dance,’ the uneven pacing and often jarring transitions detract significantly from the overall experience. It’s a collection of great moments, but not a great film.
• IMDb User Review: “This sequel to the beloved ‘That’s Entertainment!’ struggles to live up to the original, primarily due to an over-reliance on non-musical clips and a somewhat forced hosting dynamic. While the new dance sequences featuring Astaire and Kelly are impressive for their age, they feel a bit out of place and consume precious screen time that could have been dedicated to more archival footage. The lack of varied narrators, unlike the first film, also makes it feel less comprehensive. It’s a pleasant enough watch for old Hollywood enthusiasts, but lacks the impactful punch of its predecessor.

Audience Reactions

Many viewers cherished seeing the legendary Fred Astaire and Gene Kelly dance together again on screen.: Audiences consistently praised the film for its wealth of classic MGM clips, highlighting the incredible talent on display in both musical and non-musical genres, and appreciating the nostalgic trip down memory lane.

The inclusion of less-seen or unexpected clips, like Greta Garbo dancing or Robert Taylor singing, captivated many viewers.: Despite some complaints about organization or the new host segments, the general consensus was that the film delivered on its promise of entertainment, offering a delightful collection of memorable moments from Hollywood’s golden age.

Overall Consensus: ‘That’s Entertainment, Part II’ is a beloved, albeit slightly less polished, sequel that delivers a rich dose of classic MGM nostalgia, primarily buoyed by the rare and cherished on-screen reunion of Fred Astaire and Gene Kelly.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “This film marked Fred Astaire’s final dance performance on screen, at the age of 77. He famously downplayed his efforts, stating that it wasn’t ‘dancing’ but just ‘moving around’.”
• “Despite Gene Kelly identifying Hermes Pan as the choreographer for the ‘From This Moment On’ clip from ‘Kiss Me Kate’ (1953), the sequence was actually choreographed by Bob Fosse, who also performs in it.”
• “The film’s impressive and creative opening title sequence, which features various unique graphic introductions for each star, was designed by renowned graphic designer Saul Bass.”
• “Original cuts of the film contained several sequences that were later shorn from the general release print, including ‘You Stepped Out of a Dream’ from ‘Ziegfeld Girl’ and ‘Concerto in F’ from ‘An American in Paris’. In some early editions, Oscar Levant’s final ‘Bravo!’ from the ‘Concerto in F’ clip could still be heard over the next segment.”
• “Gene Kelly not only co-hosted but also directed all the newly filmed sequences featuring himself and Fred Astaire, making it his final directorial credit.”

🖥️ How to Watch That’s Entertainment, Part II?

Discover ‘That’s Entertainment, Part II’ for purchase or rental on popular digital platforms like Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies, and YouTube. Check your preferred service for current pricing and availability to add this classic Hollywood compilation to your collection.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed That’s Entertainment, Part II, you might like these similar films:

• That’s Entertainment! (1974): The highly successful first installment in the trilogy, covering more iconic MGM musical moments and featuring many original stars as narrators.
• Singin’ in the Rain (1952): Widely considered one of the greatest Hollywood musicals, it epitomizes the golden age of MGM musicals frequently highlighted in the compilation and is itself a meta-commentary on Hollywood’s transition.
• MGM: When the Lion Roared (1992): A comprehensive documentary series on the history of Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer, offering broader historical context and behind-the-scenes insights into the studio system.
• An American in Paris (1951): Another iconic Gene Kelly musical from MGM’s golden age, featuring elaborate dance sequences and a Parisian setting, some of which are sampled in this compilation.
• Hail, Caesar! (2016): A modern Coen Brothers film that is a loving, if satirical, homage to the golden age of Hollywood, its studio system, and diverse film genres, including elaborate musical numbers.

🛒 That’s Entertainment, Part II Related Products

• That’s Entertainment! The Complete Collection (Parts I, II & III) Blu-ray: Experience the entire dazzling trilogy in stunning high-definition. This Blu-ray collection includes all three ‘That’s Entertainment!’ films, packed with hours of bonus features, behind-the-scenes footage, and interviews with the stars.
• The Hollywood Musical (Revised and Updated Edition) by Clive Hirschhorn: A comprehensive, lavishly illustrated book detailing the history of the Hollywood musical, from its earliest days to its golden age. Features detailed filmographies, behind-the-scenes stories, and critical analysis.
• MGM Musicals Treasury: Classic Film Collection (DVD/Blu-ray): A curated box set featuring full-length classic MGM musicals. Dive into the complete films from which many of the clips in ‘That’s Entertainment, Part II’ were drawn, experiencing them as they were originally intended.
• Fred Astaire & Gene Kelly ‘Dancing Legends’ Commemorative Poster: A high-quality, art print poster featuring iconic imagery of Fred Astaire and Gene Kelly together, celebrating their legendary partnership and contributions to dance on film. Perfect for framing.

🎧 Soundtrack

That’s Entertainment, Part II features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “Overture” – performed by Various Artists
• “That’s Entertainment” – performed by Arthur Schwartz & Howard Dietz (Composers)
• “Temptation” – performed by Various Artists

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

That’s Entertainment II – [Mike Douglas Show pt.1]

Ever wondered what it was like behind the scenes of ‘That’s Entertainment, Part II’ with the legendary stars? This incredible clip from the Mike Douglas Show gives you a rare look, featuring candid interviews with icons like Gene Kelly and Fred Astaire – it’s truly a piece of cinematic history that you won’t want to miss!

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