That's Entertainment III MPAA Rating: G Entertainment: +3 Content: +1

THAT'S ENTERTAINMENT III is a nostalgic journey back to the Golden Age of filmmaking. It chronicles the history of Metro Goldwyn Mayer musicals from the inception of the "talkie" until the late 1950's. Hollywood legends take viewers back to the days when MGM was a "dream factory" where ordinary people became superstars. Lavish costumes, huge casts and endless song and dance routines dominate the screen, making plots almost non-existent. It traces the Mickey Rooney/Judy Garland musicals which cheered the country during World War II. Esther Williams talks about her swimming musicals which endeared her as "America's Mermaid." Gene Kelly was the "everyman" dancer who made up creative dance routines, including one in which he used a newspaper and squeaky floorboard as partners. Lena Horne discusses frankly her feelings of alienation as a black woman in a predominantly "white" industry. Other highlights include rare footage, songs with Judy Garland, and a humorous dance routine performed by a trio of contortionist sisters. This two hour, non-stop song and dance extravaganza will appeal mostly to older musicals fans and those interested in this era of cinematic history. Interestingly, the films which have endured are those with plots of substance, in addition to good music.

But viewers should not be too quick to romanticize all these old films. Many clips included in THAT'S ENTERTAINMENT III made it plain that MGM figured out creative ways to skirt industry restrictions in order to convey sexually suggestive themes. Women were often portrayed only for their sexual appeal. This was usually accomplished through showing lots of skin, wearing form-fitting clothes, and the use of mildly suggestive lyrics. One near nude shower scene which shocked audiences in the 30's, probably would still shock some today. While none of these scenes were pushed to the extremes of today's films, perhaps it was only because of the movie-making restrictions in place. The sexually suggestive content of these MGM musicals shares a synonymous purpose with films of today - it sells.

Preview Reviewer: Krista Kay Bontrager
Distributor: MGM, 10000 W. Washington Blvd., Culver City, CA 90232