Easter Parade (1948) almost was a very different movie. Vincente Minnelli was originally slated to direct, but Charles Walters took over the reins. Gene Kelly and Cyd Charisse were set to star with Judy Garland when both dancers were 86'ed by injuries. A whole new crew began to take shape - but this was no 'B' team. List of films Today! on TCM Easter Parade (1948) The Easter Bunny is Comin' to Town (1977) The Easter Storykeepers (1997) The First Easter by Peter Marshall Abingdons Easter Drama Collection by Abingdon Press An Easter Hunt: A Hide-and-Seek Story by Sarah Reid Chisholm After appearing in the all-star musical-comedy extravaganza Ziegfeld Follies (1946), forty-seven year old Fred Astaire had announced that he was retiring from the screen. Producer Arthur Freed convinced Astaire to postpone his retirement and appear in Easter Parade. The film was to feature seventeen musical numbers, all written by Irving Berlin. Astaire couldn't refuse—and soon a whole new set of classic numbers such as "Stepping Out With My Baby" were added to his repertoire. Plus the graceful performer teamed with Garland for the vaudeville-themed "We're Just a Couple of Swells," and tap dancer extraordinaire Ann Miller had to strut her stuff in "Shaking the Blues Away." Easter Parade is a holiday favorite; Ann Miller recounted her memories of the production to TCM: "When Fred Astaire and I did Easter Parade together with Judy Garland back in 1947, I knew Fred quite well, but I had never danced with him, and of course dancing with Fred Astaire was like dancing with a dream. Gene Kelly was originally set to do Fred's part but he broke his ankle. And Cyd Charisse was set to play the part I did and she broke her leg. So Fred and I stepped into their roles. But I was a little bit too tall for him. I had to wear ballet slippers with this long beautiful gown to be shorter than him. But it worked! And even now, I think Easter Parade is still charming. It's a classic and every Easter you just get it whether you want it or not!" LIST of FILMS 23 Sunday 7:00 AM   The Prodigal (1955) Biblical story of a young man led astray by an evil priestess. Lana Turner, Edmund Purdom, James Mitchell. D: Richard Thorpe. C 114 m. LBX 9:00 AM   The Green Pastures (1936) God tests the human race in this reenactment of Bible stories set in the world of black American folklore. Rex Ingram, Oscar Polk, Eddie Anderson. D: William Keighley. BW 93 m. 11:00 AM   Solomon and Sheba (1959) Epic tale of the Biblical king's seduction by a pagan queen. Yul Brynner, Gina Lollobrigida, George Sanders. D: King Vidor. C 142 m. LBX CC 1:30 PM   Barabbas (1962) A thief is pardoned so Jesus can be crucified in his place. Anthony Quinn, Jack Palance, Ernest Borgnine. D: Richard Fleischer. BW 144 m. LBX 4:00 PM   Ben-Hur (1959) While seeking revenge, a rebellious Israelite prince crosses paths with Jesus Christ. Charlton Heston, Stephen Boyd, Jack Hawkins. D: William Wyler. C 223m. LBX CC DVS 8:00 PM   Easter Parade (1948) When his partner leaves him, a vaudeville star trains an untried performer to take her place, finding love in the process. Oscar® for Best Score. Fred Astaire, Judy Garland, Ann Miller. D: Cbarles Walters. C 104m. CC