There really is something transcendental about those sweet, simple Technicolor musicals of the '40s and '50s, isn't there?
That's not to say that they were all great movies or anything. Frankly, even Easter Parade has its faults, primarily in its story-heavy structuring and its emphasis on a love square that I didn't find particularly compelling (or convincing, for that matter; at the movie's conclusion, I found myself wondering if Garland was actually making the right decision). But then you remember just how warm, colourful, and lively the visuals are, and these issues suddenly seem a lot more trivial.
Plus, I should probably touch on the main selling point, which is obviously the extravagant dance numbers. I'm not sure that any of these songs have fully achieved immortality status (though "Steppin' Out with My Baby" must come close, especially in that one shot where Astaire's moving in slow motion against a background of normal-speed backup dancers), but that doesn't really matter. What matters is that Irving Berlin's tunes are so endearing and delightful, and watching these two leads perform together is such a genuine pleasure, that the best elements of this movie are just a joy to behold.
Grade: B+
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