I disagree with the reviwers who say that Ginger Rogers would be better in Joan Fontaine's role. Ginger didn't really do demure and sweet like Joan Fontaine. Also, hearing her attempt at a 'Polish' accent in Roberta, I would be scared to her her take on an English one. If the locale of the film were America instead of Britain, I think Rita Hayworth would have worked well in the Joan Fontaine role. But anyways.
The plot is fairly simple and silly, but I wasn't really paying attention to the plot. Like with other Astaire musicals, the plot that is there is kind of filler between the dance numbers. And the dance numbers do not disappoint, especially the famous funhouse number. Since Joan Fontaine was fairly inept as a dancer, Astaire did most of his dancing with George Burns and Gracie Allen (who basically play themselves, but they're amazing, so we'll let that slide). They are good dancers as well, and keep up with Astaire and his hoofing. I didn't like the boy- the kid who kept meddling in everyone's business.
Thsn we have songs by the Gershwin brothers, which are always more than welcome. I believe that this was the last score George Gershwin completed before his untimely death at 37. And obviously, some standards came from this score- 'A Foggy Day (In London Town)' and 'Nice Work If You Can Get It'.
Overall, while not the greatest Fred Astaire musical out there it's still worth a watch.
The plot is fairly simple and silly, but I wasn't really paying attention to the plot. Like with other Astaire musicals, the plot that is there is kind of filler between the dance numbers. And the dance numbers do not disappoint, especially the famous funhouse number. Since Joan Fontaine was fairly inept as a dancer, Astaire did most of his dancing with George Burns and Gracie Allen (who basically play themselves, but they're amazing, so we'll let that slide). They are good dancers as well, and keep up with Astaire and his hoofing. I didn't like the boy- the kid who kept meddling in everyone's business.
Thsn we have songs by the Gershwin brothers, which are always more than welcome. I believe that this was the last score George Gershwin completed before his untimely death at 37. And obviously, some standards came from this score- 'A Foggy Day (In London Town)' and 'Nice Work If You Can Get It'.
Overall, while not the greatest Fred Astaire musical out there it's still worth a watch.