“I wish that I had Jessie’s girl.  I’m lookin’ in the mirror all the time wonderin’ what she don’t see in me. I’ve been funny, I’ve been cool with the lines. Ain’t that the way love’s supposed to be?” (Rick Springfield, 1981)

This month, the feeling of unrequited love is seen when we open the guidebook to Easter Parade.

Welcome to the April 2021 Edition ~ Best Friend? Or Third Wheel?

As the film opens, Johnny Harrow and Don Hewes are likely best friends. They “fit.” Each is handsome, well-dressed, rich, and can charm ladies with the tip of a hat or an offer of an umbrella in the rain. Each has respect for the other. (Don: “Hannah, I want you to meet the greatest guy in the world, Johnny Harrow.” Johnny to Nadine regarding Don: “He’s done everything in the world for you.”   Thus enters the best friend. Or is he the third wheel?

The concept of the third wheel is a recurring theme throughout the film.

When each character attempts to build a relationship, another is casting a shadow.

When Don professes his love for Nadine in the beautiful close-quarters version of “It Only Happens When I Dance with You,” (“you see that? Nadine and Hewes? That’s written in stardust. This isn’t just business. This is us.”) He embraces her and attempts to kiss her. He is in love.

However, when Johnny enters, interrupting the embrace, Nadine’s excitement is palatable as she gushes his name and participates in this exchange. (Johnny: “It’s not only the dancing, I always thought you and Don were…” Nadine: (provocatively): “did you?”) To Nadine, Don is the third wheel in her relationship with Johnny.

As the story progresses, Hannah Brown becomes Don’s new partner and Johnny’s love interest. Johnny romances her under an umbrella (“I’m just a fella. A fella with an umbrella, looking for a girl who saved her love for a rainy day.”), and quickly falls in love. (“Did you know that scientists say that people fall in love quickest during a rainstorm?  I can prove it. That’s when I fell in love with you.”) Hannah responds with tears and confesses she is “very proud” to receive such a compliment. However, she reveals, ”I’m in love with Don. When they were passing out the wishes, I wished for him.” Johnny takes the news well with a smile and a pat on the hand. He escorts her home and continues to ask her to dinner. Although he is the third wheel in Hannah’s relationship with Don, he will become a best friend and confidant.

Hannah loves Don. But Don loves Nadine. He demonstrates his feelings when he dresses  Hannah in feathers and ball gowns and changes her name to Jaunita.  He is oblivious to his behavior until he meets Nadine for luncheon and tries to get her back. (“Remember our opening night? Eight bows, nine current calls.  Listen, baby, I was thinking..”) However, rather than accept his offer, Nadine chooses to insult Hannah. (“All my friends are laughing; tell that seamstress you have working for you to stop imitating me!”).  It is here that Don realizes Hannah’s value not only as a business partner (“You’re wonderful”) but as a life partner (“Why didn’t you tell me I was in love with you?”). Thus, third-wheel Hannah becomes beloved Hannah. 

As the story concludes, beloved Hannah goes up to the roof with Don to see the Ziegfield show. Don’s presence allows Nadine to persuade her former partner to dance with her in front of an audience, “for old time sake.” Feeling like a third wheel Hannah leaves the Follies, fights with Don, and wakes to best friend Johnny knocking at the door with some sage advice: “If I loved someone, I’d find a way to let them know it.  You get in there and put on his favorite dress. You’ll be late for the Easter Parade! Do something about your face. You look horrible!”

With this advice, Johnny helps to repair Don and Hannah’s relationship. Finding himself without the partner of his choosing, he reaches out to Nadine, saying, “Nadine, get out all the hounds. We’re going for a walk!”

Third wheels no more Don, Hannah, Johnny and, Nadine,  find the relationships they seek and take a well-deserved walk up the Avenue!

This Easter, I hope all of you find the friendships/relationships you seek and enjoy long walks together.

Stay Safe and Well.

Your friend,

~~Lori