The Movie Musical!

By: Jeanine Basinger

Narrated by: Erin Bennett

Irresistible and authoritative, The Movie Musical! is an in-depth look at the singing, dancing, happy-making world of Hollywood musicals--an essential audiobook for anyone who's ever laughed, cried, or sung along at the movies.

Leading film historian Jeanine Basinger reveals, with her trademark wit and zest, the whole story of the Hollywood musical--in the most telling, most incisive, most detailed, book of her long and remarkable career.
From Fred Astaire, whom she adores, to La La Land, which she deplores, Basinger examines a dazzling array of stars, strategies, talents, and innovations in the history of musical cinema. Whether analyzing a classic Gene Kelly routine, relishing a Nelson-Jeanette operetta, or touting a dynamic hip hop number (in the underrated Idlewild), she is a canny and charismatic guide to the many ways that song and dance have been seen--and heard--on film.
With extensive portraits of everyone from Al Jolson, the Jazz Singer; to Doris Day, whose iconic sunniness has overshadowed her dramatic talents; from Deanna Durbin, that lovable teen-star of the '30s and '40s; to Shirley T. and Judy G.; from Bing to Frank to Elvis; from Ann Miller to Ann-Margret; from Disney to Chicago . . . focusing on many beloved, iconic films (Top Hat; Singin' in the Rain; Meet Me in St. Louis; The Sound of Music) as well as unduly obscure gems (Eddie Cantor's Whoopee!; Murder at the Vanities; Sun Valley Serenade; One from the Heart), this book is astute, informative, and pure pleasure to read.

Critic reviews

"An in-depth look at the Hollywood musical ... lively and informative ... the author is the perfect guide ... movie buffs and film students alike will applaud this delightful and insightful work."--Library Journal (starred review)

"A lively history ... an essential addition to any film lover's library."--Kirkus

"Exhilarating ... informative and insightful ... monumental."--Publishers Weekly (starred review)

Brilliant Analysis of a Wonderful Art Form

Epic, always fascinating story of the most fascinating film genre. Jeanine Basinger proves herself to be the most entertaining and erudite of film historians. Lovingly narrated, utterly compelling.

Erin BENNETT’s ability to make an excessively long book enjoyable to the reader. Her intonations were brilliant!!

Because I love the 1950’s musicals, I loved learning the history of them, learning about the individual stars who made them, the wisdom and genius of the producers, and the reminders of those Broadway musicals and movies that were so entertaining and happy!

Deep analysis of specific musical films

See above, also great historical overview of the evolution of the genre. Made me want to see movies I missed.

a great and entertaining history

not only is this a well written history of film musicals, it manages to also cover pretty well the history of life, Broadway musicals. and it's a lot of fun to read. highly recommended.

Very Interesting

I learned a from this book. My only problem is the way it’s set up one chapter is hours long.