As we mentioned earlier, today is Easter Sunday. So naturally we wanted to bring you the greatest song ever written about celebrating the holiday, Irving Berlin‘s timeless “Easter Parade.” With its origins dating back to 1917, and previously featured in As Thousands Cheer, Alexander’s Ragtime Band, and Holiday Inn, the song has become forever linked with the holiday we are celebrating today…and that’s not even mentioning what is the definitive performance of the song, Judy Garland and Fred Astaire‘s rendition from the film Easter Parade. Take a look and a listen, won’t you?
Everybody, sing along! “In your Easter bonnet, with all the frills upon it, you’ll be the grandest lady in the Easter parade.”
In the film, which was sadly Garland and Astaire’s only movie together, they play dancing partners whose burgeoning relationship is threatened by skilled dancer Nadine (Ann Miller) — Astaire’s ex who Garland thinks he is still carrying a torch for. Can these hoofing hearthrobs make their romance work? Does the Easter Bunny like chocolate! They just don’t make ’em like this anymore, resulting in that rare thing…a holiday film that can be enjoyed all year long. The movie’s tagline calls the film “the happiest musical ever made,” and that sounds right to us! Make it a part of your celebrations today, and we’ll see you at the Easter Parade!