While I love many aspects of modern cinema, there’s something special to me about classic movie musicals that just can’t be beaten. With the exception of a few iconic scenes, no special effects are needed for great song-and-dance routines; they rely on the raw talent of the performers. These scenes can make me and millions of other fans smile as nothing else can. This video is the perfect pick-me-up if you’re having a bad day. It’s a mashup of some of the best moments set to a catchy, current pop tune – and it’s so much fun to watch!
The idea for this comes from Michael Binder, who loves movies and is an advocate for film preservation. He was compelled to create his own mash-up after coming across one that featured 100 movie dance scenes set to Mark Ronson and Bruno Mars’ “Uptown Funk.” However, he wanted his to include classic films from Hollywood’s Golden Age. Binder didn’t quite make to 100, but he did reach 66 and all without any sped-up or slowed-down footage, and none from movies made after 1953. What follows is an amazing, magical movie montage that compares today’s singers and dancers to classic song-and-dance women and men. Watch this video to see how much talent the classics have in comparison with contemporary performers.
That was amazing! It’s great to see clips from so many old movies, but it’s even more impressive how well Binder timed everything. If you were unfamiliar with any of the clips used, you might believe they were actually choreographed to go along with “Uptown Funk.” My favorite part is around 1:34, when he found a clip from Go Into Your Dance. The movements in the video match up perfectly with Mars singing, “Stop, wait a minute.”
I love a well-timed pause, and there are plenty of wonderful moments to choose from! I also adore how all the great films are referenced here. For example…
The 1951 classic Singin’ in the Rain is a movie musical montage that would be nothing without Donald O’Connor, Debbie Reynolds, and Gene Kelly.
Judy Garland and Mickey Rooney were in a lot of movies together, but did you know that one of their most popular films was 1939’s Babes in Arms?
The pair reunited in Girl Crazy from 1943.
Initially, I thought this image was from 1949’s On The Town because it features Gene Kelly and Frank Sinatra in sailor suits. However, upon further inspection, I realized that the picture is actually from their first buddy film together: 1945’s Anchors Aweigh. In the movie, they are running around Los Angeles having all sorts of adventures.
Check out this clip from On The Town with Kelly and Sinatra, featuring Jules Munshin, Gene Kelly, Betty Garrett, Ann Miller and Vera Ellen.
If Fred Astaire could do it, Ginger Rogers could do it better– especially if done backward and while wearing high heels. Here they are in 1936’s Swing Time.
There are so many magical moments in this video! What other ones stood out to you? Where any of your favorites featured? How many could you name? Every time you watch, you’ll notice a new one! If you want the full list, check out Nerd Fest UK’s YouTube channel. Tell us what you thought of this fun mash-up— after you finish dancing along!
If you somehow missed the original movie dancing mash-up that inspired Binder, watch it below. And if you can’t get enough of “Uptown Funk” after that, Shirley’s story is just for you. Shirley is a 60-year-old hip hop expert who owns a routine set to the song.
