Amazing and authoritative, The Movie Musical! can be an in-depth look at the performing, dancing, happy-making world of Hollywood musicals–an important audiobook for anybody who’s ever laughed, cried, or sung along at the films.

Leading film historian Jeanine Basinger uncovers, with her trademark wit and zest, the complete story of the Hollywood musical–in probably the most informing, most incisive, most complete, book of her lengthy and remarkable career.

From Fred Astaire, about The Film Musical! whom she adores, to La La Land, which she deplores, Basinger examines a dazzling array of superstars, strategies, skills, and enhancements in the history of musical cinema. Whether analyzing a vintage Gene Kelly regular, relishing a Nelson-Jeanette operetta, or touting a dynamic hip hop number (in the underrated Idlewild), she actually is a canny and charismatic guidebook to the many ways that track and dance have already been seen–and heard–on film.

With extensive portraits of everyone from Al Jolson, the Jazz Vocalist; to Doris Time, whose iconic sunniness provides overshadowed her dramatic skills; from Deanna Durbin, that lovable teen-star from the ’30s and ’40s; to Shirley T. and Judy G.; from Bing to Frank to Elvis; from Ann Miller to Ann-Margret; from Disney to Chicago . concentrating on many beloved, iconic movies (Top Hat; Singin’ in the torrential rain; Match Me in St. Louis; The Sound of Music) aswell as unduly obscure gems (Eddie Cantor’s Whoopee!; Murder in the Vanities; Sun Valley Serenade; One in the Center), this book is astute, useful, and pure enjoyment to read.