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 and Ginger Rogers although her career waned post war. Astaire continued to make musicals including "Holiday Inn" (1942) with Bing Crosby, "Sky's The Limit" (1943) with Joan Leslie and "Blue Skies" (1946), his second and last movie with Crosby. He also partnered with numerous other dancers, including Rita Hayworth, Cyd Charisse and Judy Garland. Fearing his career was failing, "Blue Skies" was due to be Astaire's last film, after which he retired for two years. In 1948 Gene Kelly was due to star in MGM's "Easter Parade" alongside Judy Garland, but he broke his ankle, and MGM convinced Astaire to fill in, ending