Story Structure — 4 Plot Phases
Opening Credits & Host Introduction
The documentary begins with opening credits displaying the That's Entertainment III card and introducing the five hosts. Gene Kelly, Ray Bolger, Liza Minnelli, Sammy Davis Jr., and Mikhail Baryshnikov are presented as the guiding figures for the film.
Key Events
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Opening Credits Sequence — Introduction of the five hosts and film title. Location: Film Opening
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That's Entertainment III Card Display — Display of series connection card in starting credits. Location: Film Opening
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Host Lineup Introduction — Presentation of the five hosts guiding the documentary. Location: Film Opening
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Executive Production Credit — Gene Kelly credited as executive producer. Location: Film Opening
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Director and Writer Credit — Jack Haley Jr. credited as writer, producer, and director. Location: Film Opening
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Co-Producer Credit — David Niven Jr. credited as co-producer. Location: Film Opening
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Studio and Producer Context — Explanation of shared studio and producer background. Location: Film Opening
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Wizard of Oz Archival Reference — Reference to Jack Haley Sr. co-starring with Bolger in The Wizard of Oz. Location: Film Opening
Production Credits & Historical Context
The film details the creative team behind the documentary, highlighting Jack Haley Jr. as writer and director, and David Niven Jr. as co-producer. It also references the historical connection between Jack Haley Sr. and Ray Bolger from The Wizard of Oz.
Key Events
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Wizard of Oz Archival Reference — Reference to Jack Haley Sr. co-starring with Bolger in The Wizard of Oz. Location: Film Opening
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Film Series Differentiation — Clarification that the film is a separate production from That's Entertainment! III. Location: Film Opening
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Dance Compilation Theme Establishment — Establishment of the documentary's focus on dance history. Location: Film Opening
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Musical Commission Announcement — Announcement of Kim Carnes being commissioned for an original song. Location: Film Opening
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Invitation to Dance Composition — Creation of the original song Invitation to Dance. Location: Film Opening
Musical Commission & Series Clarification
The narrative shifts to the musical contribution, noting Kim Carnes was commissioned to write and perform Invitation to Dance. The film clarifies its status as a separate production despite sharing studio and producers with the That's Entertainment series.
Key Events
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Invitation to Dance Composition — Creation of the original song Invitation to Dance. Location: Film Opening
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Archival Footage Integration — Integration of classic dance clips hosted by the lineup. Location: Film Opening
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Production Team Collaboration — Highlighting the friendship and collaboration between producers. Location: Film Opening
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Historical Context Expansion — Expansion on the historical connection between Haley Sr. and Bolger. Location: Film Opening
Closing Sequence & Finale
The documentary concludes with the closing credits rolling over Kim Carnes performance. The hosts are acknowledged one last time as the musical number fades out, marking the end of the dance compilation presentation.
Key Events
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Closing Credits Preparation — Transition toward the closing sequence with hosts. Location: Film Opening
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Invitation to Dance Performance — Kim Carnes performs the commissioned song over credits. Location: Film Opening
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Host Acknowledgment Sequence — Final acknowledgment of the hosts during the musical number. Location: Film Opening
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Series Clarification Note — Final note distinguishing the film from the 1994 That's Entertainment! III. Location: Film Opening
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Documentary Conclusion — End of the documentary with full credits and musical fade-out. Location: Film Opening
A documentary film about dancing on the screen, from its origins after the invention of the movie camera, over the movie musical from the late 20s, 30s, 40s, 50s, and 60s, up to the break dance and music videos from the 80s.
