That's Entertainment! (1974) — AI Story Visualization

Plot Analysis Summary

A documentary compilation celebrates MGM musical cinema while preserving memories of a disappearing studio backlot.

Story Structure — 5 Plot Phases

MGM Musical Foundations

The documentary establishes MGM's history of musical filmmaking and begins presenting selected performances from its archive. The opening emphasizes the breadth of the studio's legacy.

Key Events

• MGM Musical Legacy Introduced — The documentary introduces MGM's legacy of musical films from the 1920s through the 1950s. Location: MGM studio context
• Archival Performances Begin — The film begins assembling performances from numerous MGM musical productions. Location: Compiled film footage
• Dance Spectacles Displayed — Selected dance performances demonstrate the scale and variety of MGM's musical output. Location: MGM musical film scenes
• Vocal Numbers Compiled — The compilation shifts among vocal numbers drawn from the studio's film archive. Location: MGM musical film scenes
• Hosts Introduce Sequences — A succession of legendary studio stars introduces different sections of the compilation. Location: MGM backlot

A Living Film Archive

Host segments connect sequences from different decades and provide a framework for the compilation. The film moves between dance, vocal, and ensemble performances.

Key Events

• Hosts Introduce Sequences — A succession of legendary studio stars introduces different sections of the compilation. Location: MGM backlot
• Musical Eras Interwoven — Performances from multiple decades are arranged to emphasize MGM's broad musical history. Location: Compiled film footage
• Backlot Conditions Revealed — Host segments reveal that the famous backlot has become severely dilapidated. Location: MGM backlot
• Developer Sale Mentioned — The film notes that MGM sold the property to developers and that the sets faced demolition. Location: MGM backlot
• Crumbling Studio Exteriors — The hosts comment on the deteriorating condition of the studio's physical surroundings. Location: MGM backlot exteriors

Ruins Beneath The Glamour

The hosts draw attention to the backlot's severe deterioration after its sale to developers. The ruined sets create a sharp contrast with their former cinematic glamour.

Key Events

• Crumbling Studio Exteriors — The hosts comment on the deteriorating condition of the studio's physical surroundings. Location: MGM backlot exteriors
• Abandoned Train Station Set — A host revisits the ruined train station set used in earlier musical films. Location: MGM train station set
• Past Film Location Recalled — The location is connected to the opening of a musical film made two decades earlier. Location: MGM train station set
• Good News Exteriors Revisited — Another host revisits exteriors previously used for a 1947 musical production. Location: MGM backlot exteriors
• Archival Variety Expands — The documentary continues presenting varied performances from the studio's extensive archive. Location: Compiled film footage

Memory In The Sets

Revisiting the train station and other exteriors links physical locations to earlier musical films. The documentary treats the backlot as a record of studio history.

Key Events

• Archival Variety Expands — The documentary continues presenting varied performances from the studio's extensive archive. Location: Compiled film footage
• Behind The Scenes Context — The film places its musical excerpts within the changing history of the MGM studio. Location: MGM production context
• Final Backlot Footage — The host segments become some of the final footage captured on the famous backlot. Location: MGM backlot
• One Day Segment Recalled — The production history includes a host segment filmed on the backlot in one day. Location: MGM backlot
• Production Payment Noted — A later autobiographical account states that the performer received the guild minimum wage for that day. Location: MGM backlot

The Anthem Endures

The film supplies additional production context and explains the origin of its title song. It closes as a broad celebration of MGM entertainment.

Key Events

• Production Payment Noted — A later autobiographical account states that the performer received the guild minimum wage for that day. Location: MGM backlot
• Title Song Explained — The title is traced to the anthem introduced in a 1953 musical film. Location: Musical film history
• Production Romance Mentioned — The reference notes that two production participants began dating during filming and later married. Location: Film production context
• Celebration Of Entertainment — The compilation concludes by celebrating MGM's musical performances and their enduring entertainment value. Location: Compiled musical film footage

Story Breakdown

• MGM Musical Heritage — The film introduces the studio's musical legacy across several decades.
  • Historical Scope — The compilation covers MGM musical films from the 1920s through the 1950s.
  • Performance Archive — Dozens of performances are assembled from the studio's movies.
• Archival Performance Showcase — Dance and vocal excerpts form the central entertainment material.
  • Dance Spectacles — Selected dance numbers display the scale of MGM production.
  • Vocal Numbers — The film presents vocal performances from the archive.
• Host Framing Segments — Studio stars introduce and connect the documentary's many sequences.
  • Succession Of Hosts — Different legendary stars host separate sections.
  • Backlot Commentary — Several hosts comment on the deteriorating studio property.
• Backlot Decline — The physical deterioration of MGM's famous backlot supplies the documentary's historical tension.
  • Property Sold — MGM sold the backlot to developers.
  • Sets Facing Demolition — The sets were about to be demolished when the footage was captured.
• Ruins And Memories — Revisited locations connect abandoned sets with earlier musical films.
  • Train Station Ruins — A host revisits the ruined train station set.
  • Earlier Film Exteriors — Another segment revisits exteriors used in a 1947 musical.
• Title And Afterlife — The documentary explains its title and preserves production memories beyond the performances.
  • Anthem Origins — The title comes from a song introduced in a 1953 musical.
  • Production Recollections — The reference includes filming conditions, payment details, and a production romance.

Directed by

Jack Haley Jr.

Key Cast

• Fred Astaire — Self - Host / Narrator
• Bing Crosby — Self - Host / Narrator
• Gene Kelly — Self - Host / Narrator
• Peter Lawford — Self - Host / Narrator
• Liza Minnelli — Self - Host / Narrator