Jack Haley Jr. was a talented producer, director, and writer who made a lasting impact on the world of documentary and compilation filmmaking. While he worked on numerous projects throughout his career, Jack Haley Jr. is perhaps best remembered for creating That’s Entertainment!, the beloved 1974 tribute to MGM’s golden age of musicals—a poignant homage released just as the studio’s iconic backlot was being demolished to make way for condominiums. This film not only showcased his deep appreciation for classic Hollywood but also cemented Jack Haley Jr.’s legacy in cinematic history.
In addition to his solo achievements, Jack Haley Jr. collaborated extensively with David L. Wolper, forming a professional partnership that spanned from 1959 through the 1960s. Their teamwork helped shape some of the era’s most influential television documentaries and specials. On a personal note, Jack Haley Jr. came from Hollywood royalty—he was the son of actor Jack Haley, famously known as the Tin Man in the 1939 classic The Wizard of Oz. Adding another layer to this showbiz connection, Jack Haley Jr. was married from 1974 to 1979 to Liza Minnelli, daughter of Judy Garland, who played Dorothy in the very same film. It’s these intertwining legacies that continue to keep Jack Haley Jr.’s story relevant in the annals of entertainment history.
Well, when it comes to Jack Haley Jr., there’s one standout project that really defines his career—That’s Entertainment! (1974). Interestingly enough, this film not only marks Jack Haley Jr.’s highest-rated work in terms of critical and audience reception, but oddly, it also shows up as his lowest-rated piece. Yeah, you heard that right—Jack Haley Jr. is best known for That’s Entertainment! (1974), and despite its acclaim, some sources or perspectives seem to rate it at both ends of the spectrum. It’s kind of fascinating how Jack Haley Jr.’s legacy is so closely tied to a single title like That’s Entertainment! (1974). Whether you’re looking at reviews, retrospectives, or fan discussions, Jack Haley Jr. always seems to circle back to this iconic compilation. So, in essence, Jack Haley Jr.’s most celebrated—and paradoxically, least favored—film is the very same one: That’s Entertainment! (1974).