That's Entertainment! (1974)

That’s Entertainment! is pure cinematic champagne: a lovingly curated parade of MGM’s greatest musical moments, introduced by the very stars who helped build that dream factory. Instead of a traditional documentary, it plays like an evening in a glittering movie palace, where one dazzling number flows into the next with an easy, infectious joy. The vibe is celebratory and downright magical, a reminder of when Hollywood could stop time with a melody, a dance step, and a perfectly timed grin. If you need a plot to latch onto, this may feel like a highlight reel—but if you’ve ever been even slightly tempted by classic musicals, it’s a glorious, delightful gateway.

That’s Entertainment! is clearly aiming to be a big, glossy love letter to MGM’s musical legacy, stitching together famous numbers with introductions from classic stars. The catch is that it plays more like a highlight reel than a satisfying deep dive—clips are often frustratingly brief, and the scripted narration can feel stiff and oddly low-energy for a movie celebrating showbiz sparkle. It also tends to treat everything as equally marvelous, so if you want real curation or a critical eye separating the masterpieces from the filler, you won’t get it. If you’re already an MGM musical fan and just want a warm nostalgia bath, it delivers plenty of iconic moments; if you want a properly paced documentary with insight and momentum, this may test your patience.