NF

Nanette Fabray has died.  I remember her from a lot of things, above all as a supporting actor in The Band Wagon and as Mary Tyler Moore's mother on The Mary Tyler Moore Show (even though she only made a couple of appearances).  She was also a Broadway musical star who never quite made it to the A-list because she starred in too many flops.

In her obit in Variety, they state she's in the "two most famous numbers" in The Band Wagon, "That's Entertainment" and "Triplets."

I can't say this is wrong, but it sure is a judgment call. "That's Entertainment" was the one song written for the movie, and it's since become a show biz anthem. "Triplets" is definitely a crowdpleaser.

But what about "A Shine On Your Shoes," a very colorful number featuring Fred Astaire?  The understated "I Guess I'll Have To Change My Plan," with Astaire and Jack Buchanan?  The big finish, "The Girl Hunt," featuring Astaire, choreographed by Michael Kidd and realized by Vincente Minelli?

Above all, what about the romantic highlight of the film, Astaire and Cyd Charisse doing "Dancing In The Dark"? Some have called it their favorite number--not just in The Band Wagon, but movie musicals in general.