What It's About:

Dumped by longtime dance partner Nadine (Miller) who chooses to hit the big time as a solo act, Don Hewes (Astaire) rashly wagers...Luckily for him, the talented Hannah Brown (Garland) is his pick, and Don starts grooming her for stardom. Not wanting to get burned twice, he's determined to keep their collaboration all-business, but Cupid may have other plans.

Why I Love It:

In this joyous musical romp, MGM producer Arthur Freed paired Garland with the recently "retired" Astaire after original lead Gene Kelly injured his ankle. Combining Astaire's moves and Garland's pipes with a phenomenal Irving Berlin score adapted by Oscar winners Johnny Green and Roger Edens, highlights include the vaudevillian duet "We're a Couple of Swells", and Astaire's excellent solo to "Steppin' Out With My Baby". Stunningly shot and beautifully mounted, the movie was a big success in 1948, and no wonder! By all means, step out with this title.