Fred Astaire wartime drama "The Sky's the Limit" (1943), in which he introduced Arlen and Mercer's "One for My Baby" while dancing on a bar counter in a dark and troubled routine. This film, which was choreographed by Astaire alone and achieved modest box office success, represented an important departure for Astaire from his usual charming happy-go-lucky screen persona, and confused contemporary critics. His next partner, Lucille Bremer, was featured in two lavish vehicles, both directed by Vincente Minnelli: the fantasy "Yolanda and the Thief", which featured an avant-garde surrealistic ballet, and the musical revue "Ziegfeld Follies" (1946), which featured a memorable
Fred Astaire last long. Astaire returned to the big screen to replace an injured Kelly in "Easter Parade" (1948) opposite Judy Garland, Ann Miller, and Peter Lawford and for a final reunion with Rogers (replacing Judy Garland) in "The Barkleys of Broadway" (1949). Both of these films revived Astaire's popularity and in 1950 he starred in two musicals – one for M-G-M – "Three Little Words" with Vera-Ellen and Red Skelton and one on loan-out to Paramount – "Let's Dance" with Betty Hutton. While "Three Little Words" did quite well at the box office, "Let's Dance" was a financial disappointment. "Royal Wedding"