The Story Behind That's Entertainment!
That's Entertainment! isn't a traditional narrative film—it's a love letter to an entire era of Hollywood. Rather than following a plot, the 1974 documentary weaves together the greatest musical sequences from MGM's first five decades, all presented by the studio's most legendary stars who introduce their favorite moments from the vault. Fred Astaire, Bing Crosby, Gene Kelly, and others take turns steering viewers through a carefully curated collection of song-and-dance numbers, comedy sketches, and behind-the-scenes glimpses that defined the golden age of cinema. The film celebrates not just the performances but the craftsmanship, the ambition, and the sheer joy that MGM poured into entertainment during Hollywood's most glamorous period.
Behind the Making of That's Entertainment!
Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer released That's Entertainment! in 1974 to mark its 50th anniversary—a milestone that called for something extraordinary. What made this project unique wasn't just its scope but its execution: rather than simply stringing together old footage, the filmmakers created a living, breathing documentary where contemporary stars would reflect on and celebrate their own legacies and those of their peers. The film's success was immediate and substantial, earning strong returns at the box office and establishing itself as a beloved part of cinema history. That momentum led to a 1976 sequel, and eventually to a third installment in 1994, cementing That's Entertainment! as a genuine franchise. MCA Records capitalized on the film's popularity by releasing a soundtrack album in 1974, allowing audiences to take home the music that made these moments unforgettable. With a runtime of 135 minutes and a family-friendly rating, the film was positioned to appeal across demographics—and it did, achieving an IMDb rating of 7.351/10 that reflects its enduring appeal among viewers who appreciate classic Hollywood craft.
What Makes That's Entertainment! Stand Out
What's striking about That's Entertainment! is how it manages to be simultaneously nostalgic and genuinely entertaining—not a sentimental museum piece but a celebration that still moves audiences today. The performances themselves are remarkable: watching Gene Kelly in "Singin' in the Rain" or Fred Astaire's gravity-defying routines reminds you that these weren't just stars, they were athletes of dance, perfectionists who could execute complex choreography in single takes. The editing is sharp, the pacing never drags (which is impressive for a 135-minute compilation), and there's real wit in how the hosting segments are written—the stars don't just introduce clips, they trade jokes and share genuine affection for their colleagues. I keep coming back to the sequence where dancers and singers from different eras appear back-to-back, showing how the craft evolved yet remained fundamentally rooted in precision and passion. The thing nobody mentions is how the film also documents the technical ambitions of MGM: the Technicolor saturation, the orchestral arrangements, the costume design—it's a masterclass in production value that makes you understand why MGM was called the "studio system" at its peak. Critics and audiences alike have responded warmly to this approach, recognizing that the film captures something real about why people fell in love with movies in the first place.
Where to Stream That's Entertainment!
Finding That's Entertainment! online is straightforward, thanks to its availability on major OTT services. The film's status as a classic MGM property means it's been licensed to several streaming platforms—you can check the "Where to Watch" widget at the top of this page for current availability and pricing across your preferred service. Movie OTT tracks streaming availability in real time, so you'll always know which platform has it available in your region. Given the film's family-friendly nature and relatively short runtime, it's perfect for a weekend viewing session, whether you're introducing younger viewers to classic Hollywood or revisiting a childhood favorite. The streaming versions maintain the film's original aspect ratio and color grading, which matters when you're watching something this visually rich.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is That's Entertainment! a sequel or part of a series?
That's Entertainment! is the first film in what became an established franchise. Its success led to That's Entertainment, Part II in 1976 and That's Dancing! in 1985, plus a third installment in 1994. Each film follows a similar format of celebrating MGM's archives through hosted compilation sequences.
Q: Who hosts or narrates That's Entertainment!?
Rather than a single narrator, the film features multiple MGM legends introducing their favorite moments—including Fred Astaire, Gene Kelly, Bing Crosby, and other iconic performers from the studio's golden era. This approach gives the film a personal, conversational feel.
Q: How long is That's Entertainment! and is it family-friendly?
The film runs 135 minutes and carries a family-friendly rating, making it appropriate for viewers of all ages. Its focus on musical performances and light comedy means there's something to enjoy whether you're eight or eighty.
Q: What's actually in That's Entertainment! if it's not a traditional movie?
The film is a documentary compilation featuring the greatest musical sequences, dance numbers, and comedic moments from MGM's first 50 years of filmmaking. You'll see performances from some of Hollywood's most legendary entertainers, all curated and presented by the stars themselves.
Q: Why did MGM make That's Entertainment! in 1974?
The film was created to celebrate MGM's 50th anniversary. It served as both a tribute to the studio's legacy and a way to introduce classic Hollywood entertainment to new generations of viewers who might not have experienced these films during their original theatrical runs.
Final Thoughts on That's Entertainment!
That's Entertainment! works because it understands something fundamental: audiences don't need a plot when they're watching genius at work. Whether you're a student of cinema history, a fan of classic musicals, or someone who's simply curious about what made Hollywood's golden age so magical, this film delivers. It's unpretentious, genuinely joyful, and packed with moments that'll stick with you—the kind of movie that reminds you why people fell in love with going to the pictures in the first place. Don't sleep on it.
