The Band Wagon
Seen it?1953 | 112 min | Comedy, Romance
Sunday Safe BetWhy it’s a Sunday Safe Bet
Critics loved it (95% on Rotten Tomatoes), though it had soft box office. A safe bet when you want something reliable.
Based on critics, audiences, awards, box office and buzz. Details below.Is it for you?
- Who'll love it
- Made for romantics and anyone who wants a laugh. If you loved Victor/Victoria or Barefoot in the Park, start here. Critics rate it higher than audiences do, so it rewards patience more than it chases thrills.
- The mood
- Light and funny, romantic.
- The pace
- Breezy, at 1 hr 52 min.
- What might put you off
- Made in 1953: an older pace and style.
- Audiences were cooler on it than critics.
A Broadway artiste turns a faded film star's comeback vehicle into an artsy flop.
How it earned its rating
- CriticsVery strong
95% on Rotten Tomatoes, 93 on Metacritic
- AudiencesSolid
7.2 out of 10
- AwardsSolid
Nominated for 3 Oscars.
- Box office & staying powerBelow par
$4 million worldwide on a $3 million budget; still draws a steady audience long after release
- Buzz & cultural impactSolid
About 67K people sought it out in the past year
Trailer
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Victor/Victoria
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Barefoot in the Park
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Cast & crew
Directed by Vincente Minnelli
- Fred AstaireTony Hunter
- Cyd CharisseGabrielle Gerard
- Oscar LevantLester Marton
- Nanette FabrayLily Marton
- Jack BuchananJeffrey Cordova
- James MitchellPaul Byrd
- Robert GistHal
- Ava GardnerAva Gardner (uncredited)
- Don BeddoeProducer (uncredited)
- Henry CordenOrchestra Leader (uncredited)