THE BAND WAGON - directed by Vincent Minnelli (MGM/1953)

This is my all time favorite musical movie. I saw it several times and it seems I can't get enough of it. I'm in heaven when Fred Astaire and Cyd Charisse are "Dancing in the Dark", it's the most magic moment of cinema I ever saw and what can I say of the fabulous "The Girl Hunt Ballet"? It's simply perfect. The film is a succession of showstoppers that made my heart sing.

BEAUTY AND THE BEAST - directed by Gary Trousdale and Kirk Wise (Disney/1991)

This is the best-animated musical I ever saw. For me it's Disney best production and it's an unforgettable film. The characters are delicious, the songs are beautiful and the story truly magic. It's a fairy tale came true and "Be Our Guest" is one of the best musical numbers I ever saw in film.

GUYS AND DOLLS - directed by Joseph L. Mankiewicz (Samuel Goldwynn/1955)

Although many people didn't like the movie adaptation of this musical I love it. The score is one of the best, the choreography by Michael Kidd is wonderful, the cast a joy to watch and the studio sets are terrific. My favorite number is when Jean Simmons sings "If I Were a Bell", she's a perfect Sarah Brown.

HELLO, DOLLY! - directed by Gene Kelly (FOX/1969)

I first saw this movie on the day of my 11th birthday (back in 1975). By the time the cast was doing "Put on Your Sunday Clothes" I was already telling my mama that I wanted to see it again. Which I did several times. It's one of those films that I never get tired of seeing. For me Streisand, although too young for the part, is a delightful Dolly and the dance numbers are amazing. For more information about this movie visit the Jerry Herman site.

THE NIGTHMARE BEFORE CHRISTMAS - directed by Henry Selick (Touchstone/1993)

A work of genius, this animated musical is a masterpiece of the genre. With a haunting score by Danny Elfman and with a delirious imagination by Tim Burton and Selick, this is a true musical in spirit, altough it doesn't look like any other musical I saw. One thing is true, this amazing movie is an unforgettable experience.

ON THE TOWN - directed by Stanley Donen & Gene Kelly (MGM/1949)

This tale of three sailors meeting three girls in New York it's one of the most enjoyable MGM musicals. A perfect cast brings life to the film and with the help of Donen & Kelly's direction/choreography the result is highly entertaining. The title number always made me want to join the cast, but the most unforgettable moment it's called "Prehistoric Man", with Ann Miller doing her best tap dance number ever.

PENNIES FROM HEAVEN - directed by Herbert Ross (MGM/1982)

Produced in the 80s, this is probably the best musical to be made after the genre's golden age. It's a dark musical, but it has a surreal atmosphere and a magic touch. The casting of Bernadette Peters and Steve Martin is a match made in heaven; they're brilliant miming and dancing through the film. Every time I saw it I feel the urge to applaud its dance numbers.

SILK STOCKINGS - directed by Rouben Mamoulian (MGM/1957)

Another MGM movie starring Fred Astaire and the fabulous Cyd Charisse. This musical remake of "Ninotchka" is another highly entertaining musical. The score was by Cole Porter, the dance numbers were absolutely fabulous and the supporting cast a joy to watch. Besides Charisse, there was another great dame in this film, Janis Paige. The best numbers are "Stereophonic Sound" and "The Red Blues".

SINGIN' IN THE RAIN - directed by Stanley Donen & Gene Kelly (MGM/1952)

This is probably the best screenplay ever wrote for a musical film. Once again the team of Donnen & Kelly made history. They turn this wonderful script into a terrific funny film with several classic moments. I always wanted to sing in the rain like Kelly did, but my favorite number it's the wonderful "Broadway Melody Ballet", especially when Cyd Charisse appears for the first time. A true classic.

STRICTLY BALLROOM - directed by Baz Luhrman (Ronin Films- M&A Pro.-Beyond Films Ltd./1992)

The only not American movie in my top list, this Australian musical comedy is a fascinating kitsch party. Directed with lots of imagination and good humor, this is an unique film that does for ballroom dancing what FAME did for modern dance. After the film ends, I left the theatre with a smile on my lips and rhythm on my feet. This is an exciting movie experience that I'll never forget.

VICTOR VICTORIA - directed by Blake Edwards (MGM/1982)

Another great and funny script, this film proved that musicals could still be successful. Julie Andrews gave us her best performance, at her side Robert Preston was bigger than life and Lesley Ann Warren stole all the scenes where she appeared. The music by Henry Mancini is delightful and Blake Edwards directed it with perfect timing. In the whole this is a terrific musical comedy.

THE WIZARD OF OZ - directed by Victor Fleming (MGM/1939)

I think this is everyone's favorite musical fantasy. When I talk about movie magic this is one of the titles that came to mind. Judy Garland was unforgettable and her rendition of "Over the Rainbow" is the stuff legends are made off. To help through the fabulous world of Oz she meets a group of wonderful characters. This is so enchanting that I never want to leave Oz.

email me: jorge@jorgeplace.com