Silver Screen Classic Movie Series continues with the musical comedy “The Band Wagon,” from 1953. Has-been Hollywood hoofer Fred Astaire hopes for a comeback on Broadway. Joining forces with an ambitious but clueless director and two terrific songwriters (Nanette Fabray and Oscar Levant), he meets dancer Cyd Charisse. She shows him a few things about fancy footwork.

The actors and the writers have terrific ideas for a showstopping, audience-pleasing production. But the director, played by Jack Buchanan, thinks the public needs to “think,” needs a “serious production” – and so he aims to toss out their concept of a delightful, toe-tapping, carefree show and replace it with a modern-day version of “Faust.” But is that entertainment? Will a modern audience stand for that? Will his actors stand for it? Of course not!

In counterpoint to that battle is the one between the dancers: She thinks Fred's too old for her. He thinks she's too young for him. Worse, she's too tall! Fortunately, constant irritation produces the pearl, so we end up with great songs (including “That's Entertainment!”), great dancing, and what “The New York Times” crows is “one of the best musical films ever made.”

The next scheduled movie is “Citizen Kane,” starring Orson Welles, on Dec. 5.

Know and Go What: Silver Screen Classic Movie Series When: 1, 4, and 7:30 p.m. Saturday Where: The Beecher Room of the Auburn Library, 350 Nevada St. in Auburn Tickets: Presented by the Library, the movie is free Info: Call (530) 878-7938, or visit auburnsilverscreen.com