One of the most subtle and sophisticated of the musical comedies that came out of MGMs Arthur Freed Unit in the 40s and 50s, The Band Wagon stars Fred Astaire as Tony Hunter, a movie star whose career is in a downturn. Looking for a boost, Tony decides to try starring in a Broadway musical. His friends Lester and Lily Marton (Oscar Levant and Nanette Fabray) have written a show they feel would be just right for Tony, and the three team up with Jeffrey Cordova (Jack Buchanan), a self-styled genius director, who gets the idea to turn the play into a revised version of Faust. Cordovas more pretentious ideas dont always sit well with the Martons, and Tony isnt too happy with his leggy co-star, Gaby Gerard (Cyd Charisse), whom hes convinced is too tall (then again, she thinks hes too old). But when the show proves a disaster in out-of-town tryouts, everyone realizes they have to put aside their differences if they want a show that will be on Broadway for longer than four hours. The Band Wagon featured a rare American appearance for British musical star Jack Buchanan, who does a fine soft-shoe with Fred Astaire on I Guess Ill Have to Change My Plan. Astaire also shines in the numbers Shine on Your Shoes and The Girl Hunt, a witty Mickey Spillane parody. ~ Mark Deming, All Movie Guide