When Gene Kelly injured his ankle, his
replacement as Judy's co-star in 1948's Easter Parade was none other
than...Fred Astaire. (Luckily for fans -- it brought Fred out of a self-imposed
"retirement" from the screen.) Judy's unique combination of ironic
wit and naiveté serves her well as Hannah Brown, the homespun singer
whom Don Hewes (Astaire) tries to make into a glamour girl a la
his former partner, Nadine (Ann Miller). Before the movie's over
he comes to his senses, and falls for her besides, just as we do.
Fred and Judy make a remarkably pleasing team, making us sorry that this
was their only on-screen pairing.