Second Chorus (DVD)

A chance to perform in Artie Shaw's hot jazz orchestra propels Fred Astaire and Burgess Meredith out of college and into the arms of know-it-all band manager Ellen Miller (Paulette Goddard) in director H.C. Potter's dance-filled 1941 musical comedy, Second Chorus.

For seven years, college flunkies Danny O'Neill (Fred Astaire) and his best pal Hank Taylor (Burgess Meredith) have been the core members of the renowned amateur swing band "Danny O'Neill's University Perennials." When Hank and Danny both fall for Artie Shaw's new band manager Ellen, the friends become bitter rivals and stoop to great lows to become number one in Miss Miller's heart.

Featuring the jazz of Artie Shaw, the stylings of Johnny Mercer, and showstoppers like "I Ain't Hep To That Step, But I'll Dig It!," Second Chorus is first rate musical magic.

• comedy