JUDY GARLAND: 'A COUPLE OF SWELLS' AT 'THE HOLLYWOOD PALACE'. 1965. VINTAGE FOOTAGE.

Judy Garland performs 'A Couple Of Swells' at 'The Hollywood Palace', taped October 15, 1965. A fabulous color rendition of Judy's performance, originally created with Fred Astaire in the musical film 'Easter Parade'.
Directed by Charles Walters, with music by Irving Berlin, 'Easter Parade' was the highest grossing musical of 1948 and has a fascinating creative history.

Some brief facts:

Vincente Minnelli was removed as director, replaced by Charles Walters due to the recent strain in his marriage with Judy while filming 'The Pirate'.
Gene Kelly was originally cast in the lead role of Don Hewes, however, due to an ankle injury, was replaced by the semi-retired Fred Astaire.
Fred Astaire quickly accepted the opportunity to work with Judy Garland. He is quoted as having said, "Judy's the greatest entertainer who ever lived. ... She could do things without rehearsing and come off perfectly.She could learn faster,do everything better than most people. It was one of the greatest thrills working with her."
According to producer Arthur Freed, Irving Berlin agreed to do 'Easter Parade' with MGM because of his desire to work with Judy. In her generation, Judy Garland was 'The Talent', and her star rose higher than anyone's ... then and now. The 'cream of the crop' in the musical talent of the day - composers, directors, performers - wanted to work with her, in admiration and awe of her genius.

'Easter Parade' was the only pairing of Judy Garland and Fred Astaire. MGM planned on following the success of this team with 'The Barkley's Of Broadway' and 'Royal Wedding', but fate had other plans as Judy faltered from physical collapse.

   / michelebell1  

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