SYNOPSIS: "Royal Wedding" (1951) is a delightful musical comedy directed by Stanley Donen, starring Fred Astaire and Jane Powell. The film follows the romantic and professional escapades of sibling dance duo Tom and Ellen Bowen, played by Astaire and Powell, as they travel to London to perform at a royal wedding.

Set against the backdrop of the impending nuptials of Princess Elizabeth (later Queen Elizabeth II) and Prince Philip, the story intertwines the excitement of the wedding preparations with Tom and Ellen's personal lives. As they navigate the challenges of show business and romance, both siblings find themselves unexpectedly falling in love while discovering new opportunities for their careers.

The film is renowned for its innovative dance sequences, including the famous scene where Fred Astaire dances on the walls and ceiling of his hotel room, achieved through elaborate rotating sets.

Astaire's charisma and Powell's charm are showcased throughout, with memorable musical numbers such as "Too Late Now" and "How Could You Believe Me When I Said I Love You When You Know I've Been a Liar All My Life?"

"Royal Wedding" captivates audiences with its blend of romance, humor, and dazzling choreography, encapsulating the magic of classic Hollywood musicals. As the Bowens prepare for their performance at the royal event, personal revelations and comedic mishaps ensue, leading to a heartwarming and unforgettable conclusion that celebrates love, family, and the joy of dance.

PLOT Spoiler Alert: "Royal Wedding" (1951) follows sibling dance partners Tom and Ellen Bowen, played by Fred Astaire and Jane Powell, as they travel to London during the excitement of Princess Elizabeth's impending wedding to Prince Philip. Onboard the ship to England, they are accompanied by Irving Klinger, played by Keenan Wynn, who serves as their harried theatrical producer. Klinger navigates the logistical challenges of managing the siblings' performances amidst the bustling preparations for the royal event.

In London, Tom, the pragmatic and seasoned performer, unexpectedly falls for Anne Ashmond, a British socialite portrayed by Sarah Churchill. Meanwhile, Ellen, the more dreamy and romantic of the duo, becomes involved with Lord John Brindale, played by Peter Lawford. As the Bowens adjust to the glamour and grandeur of London, they encounter challenges in their professional lives as well. Tom struggles to adapt his routines to the unpredictable British weather, while Ellen wrestles with her feelings for Lord John amidst the backdrop of a royal wedding frenzy.

Keenan Wynn's character, Irving Klinger, adds comedic relief throughout the film, managing the logistical hurdles of their performances and providing humorous interactions with the Bowens.

The film is punctuated by memorable musical numbers, including Fred Astaire's iconic solo dance where he seemingly defies gravity by dancing on the walls and ceiling of his hotel room. This sequence, achieved through innovative rotating sets, remains a highlight of the film and showcases Astaire's legendary dance talents.

As the story progresses, Tom and Ellen navigate personal and professional hurdles, all leading up to their performance at the royal wedding ceremony. The film captures the excitement and anticipation of the event, blending romance, humor, and spectacle. Ultimately, "Royal Wedding" culminates in a heartwarming celebration of love and family, set against the backdrop of a historic and joyous occasion. Keenan Wynn's portrayal of Irving Klinger adds to the film's charm, contributing to its enduring appeal as a classic Hollywood musical.

PRODUCTION: The production of "Royal Wedding" (1951) was a significant undertaking in the realm of classic Hollywood musicals, directed by Stanley Donen and starring Fred Astaire and Jane Powell. Here's an extensive look at the production:

Stanley Donen, known for his innovative choreography and direction in musicals, was at the helm of "Royal Wedding." The film marked his second collaboration with Fred Astaire after their successful partnership in "Three Little Words" (1950). Donen's direction brought a fresh perspective to the genre, blending traditional musical elements with creative visual storytelling.

Fred Astaire, a veteran of musical films renowned for his dancing prowess, played the role of Tom Bowen, one half of the sibling dance duo central to the film's plot. Astaire's involvement not only guaranteed exceptional dance sequences but also brought his signature charm and sophistication to the character.

Jane Powell, cast as Ellen Bowen, provided a youthful and vibrant counterpart to Astaire's seasoned performer. Powell's singing talent and on-screen charisma complemented Astaire's dancing, creating a dynamic on-screen partnership that resonated with audiences.

The production design of "Royal Wedding" showcased elaborate sets that captured the glamour of 1950s London and the excitement surrounding a royal event. The film's art direction and set decoration contributed to its immersive depiction of the era, from bustling city streets to opulent ballrooms.

One of the film's most iconic sequences, Fred Astaire's gravity-defying dance on the walls and ceiling of his hotel room, was a technical marvel achieved through innovative set designs and camera techniques. This sequence, choreographed by Astaire himself, remains a highlight of the film and a testament to its technical innovation.

Musically, "Royal Wedding" featured memorable songs by Burton Lane and Alan Jay Lerner, including the romantic ballad "Too Late Now" sung by Jane Powell. The music not only advanced the narrative but also underscored the emotional depth of the characters and their romantic entanglements.

Behind the scenes, the production faced challenges typical of filming on location and managing complex dance sequences. However, under Stanley Donen's direction, the cast and crew navigated these challenges to deliver a film that seamlessly blended romance, comedy, and spectacle.

Overall, "Royal Wedding" (1951) stands as a classic example of the Hollywood musical genre, celebrated for its captivating performances, innovative dance sequences, and timeless appeal. The film's production excellence, coupled with its enchanting storyline and musical score, solidified its place in cinematic history as a beloved musical classic.

RELEASE: "Royal Wedding" (1951) was released by Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer (MGM) and marked a significant event in Hollywood's musical genre. The film premiered on March 8, 1951, in New York City, followed by a wider release across the United States. Directed by Stanley Donen and starring Fred Astaire and Jane Powell, the film was eagerly anticipated due to Astaire's established reputation as a leading man in musicals and Donen's rising prominence as a director.

The release of "Royal Wedding" was accompanied by a robust promotional campaign that highlighted the film's innovative dance sequences, romantic storyline, and glamorous settings. MGM capitalized on Fred Astaire's star power and Jane Powell's rising popularity to attract audiences looking for sophisticated entertainment and musical extravagance.

Critically, "Royal Wedding" received positive reviews for its performances, particularly Astaire's gravity-defying dance number and Powell's vocal talents. The film's music, composed by Burton Lane with lyrics by Alan Jay Lerner, was also praised for its melodic richness and emotional resonance, enhancing the film's appeal among audiences.

At the box office, "Royal Wedding" performed well, becoming one of the successful musicals of the era.

Its release coincided with a period of resurgence in Hollywood musicals, where audiences sought escapism and glamour on the silver screen. The film's blend of romance, comedy, and musical spectacle resonated with audiences of all ages, cementing its status as a classic Hollywood musical.

Following its theatrical run, "Royal Wedding" continued to enjoy popularity through re-releases and television broadcasts, further solidifying its place in cinematic history. The film's enduring legacy is reflected in its influence on subsequent musicals and its inclusion in retrospectives celebrating Hollywood's golden age of musical filmmaking.

CAST:

• Fred Astaire as Tom Bowen

• Jane Powell as Ellen Bowen

• Peter Lawford as Lord John Brindale

• Sarah Churchill as Anne Ashmond

• Keenan Wynn as Irving Klinger

• Albert Sharpe as James Ashmond

• Virginia Gibson as Phyllis

• Dennis Hoey as Jasper Bradley

CREW:

• Director: Stanley Donen

• Producer: Arthur Freed

• Writer: Alan Jay Lerner

• Music: Burton Lane

• Cinematography: Robert H. Planck

• Editing: Albert Akst

Production Company: Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer (MGM)
Distributor: Loew's, Inc.

Release Date: March 23, 1951
Country of Origin: United States
Running Time: 93 minutes
Budget: $2 million
Box Office Return: $3.3 million

IMDB Rating =  6.7 / 10

RELEASE: Variety: "Royal Wedding dazzles with Fred Astaire's magnetic performance and Stanley Donen's innovative direction.

The film seamlessly blends romance, comedy, and dance into a delightful spectacle that will enchant audiences of all ages."

TRIVIA:

• Fred Astaire's iconic dance sequence, where he dances on the walls and ceiling of his room, was achieved using a rotating set known as a "squirrel cage." The effect required precise choreography and camera work, showcasing Astaire's creativity and agility.

• Jane Powell, known for her soprano voice, performed several musical numbers in the film, including "Too Late Now," which became a popular standard.

• "Royal Wedding" was one of the first MGM musicals shot on location in Europe, utilizing London's iconic landmarks and historical sites to enhance the film's authenticity and grandeur.

• The film's release coincided with the actual royal wedding of Princess Elizabeth (later Queen Elizabeth II) and Prince Philip on November 20, 1947, generating additional publicity and public interest in the romantic comedy.

• In an interview shortly after the film's release, Fred Astaire revealed that he experimented with over 30 commercially available hat racks before the studio's prop department designed and built the one used in the film, costing over $900 (equivalent to over $9,000 in 2024 dollars). The hat rack disappeared shortly after filming wrapped.

• The ship's rocking effect during the "Open Your Eyes" musical sequence was based on Fred Astaire and Adele Astaire's experience on a voyage to London in 1923. A boat-rocking device was used to create the effect for the film.

• Originally, the film was envisioned as a pairing of Fred Astaire and June Allyson, but Allyson left the project when she discovered she was pregnant. Judy Garland was considered as her replacement, but after she failed to appear for costume fittings, Jane Powell ultimately took over the role of Ellen Bowen. Ironically, Powell also discovered she was pregnant towards the end of filming.

• The exterior set used for Lord John Brindale's family estate in the film also appeared as the McKay family's upstate New York home in both "Please Don't Eat the Daisies" (1960) and the TV series "Please Don't Eat the Daisies" (1965).

• The film's music, composed by Burton Lane with lyrics by Alan Jay Lerner, contributed significantly to its charm and enduring popularity. One of the film's songs, "Too Late Now," remains a favorite among musical enthusiasts.

• The film's title was changed to "Wedding Bells" in England to avoid confusion with a documentary about the recent royal wedding of Princess Elizabeth and Prince Philip.
  

"Royal Wedding" remains a delightful musical comedy from 1951, celebrated for its memorable dance sequences, charming performances, and enduring appeal, continuing to enchant audiences with its joyful portrayal of romance and entertainment.