phenomenal
- Top Hat review by Sarah
Fred Astaire & Ginger Rogers are breathtaking in this extravagant display of their dancing talent. I remember a dance teacher once telling me that Astaire re-shot a scene in this movie 80 times, and this perfectionism certainly paid off. While the storyline can feel like it is dragging a little at times as is common in 'mistaken identity' storylines, this is more than overshadowed by their onscreen chemistry and lavish settings. A must see for all fans of dance & classic Hollywood cinema
3 out of 3 members found this review helpful.
classic dance film
- Top Hat review by CL
Wanted to watch this after seeing the stage show earlier in the year. Fantastic dancing, very funny, and loved the staging. Refreshing to see a film without CGI and other technology. Love modern blockbusters but enjoyed very much the straightforward honesty and awesome skill displayed in this movie.
1 out of 1 members found this review helpful.
Top Hat hat great dancing dsiapointing movie
- Top Hat review by DJ
I took this move out because I was curious about the genre.
They are indeed impressive dancers
However it should have been possible have got more laughs from the comic mistaken id premise
0 out of 0 members found this review helpful.
The best of Astaire and Rogers.
- Top Hat review by Steve Mason
Fred and Ginger's first bespoke starring vehicle, and their best. It's a continental farce set in London and an extremely artificial art deco Venice with the classic device of mistaken identity keeping the two Americans abroad apart until the final reel.
Fred handles the snappy quips pretty well, though Ginger is given little to do outside the dance spectaculars. The support cast is very much at home among the frou-frou of the plot, particularly Eric Blore as the unctuous valet of a bemused toff enacted by Edward Everett Horton. These two seem far more married than Horton does to his actual partner played by a wisecracking Helen Broderick.
But of course, it most excels when Astaire and Rogers are dancing, particularly when they are together, and they have some wonderful Irving Berlin songs to present. The swing of Top Hat, White Tie and Tails with Fred backed by a male chorus line on a huge theatre stage is wonderful. The star dancing in his tails with a cane implies a whole world of elegance and class. But the pair performing Cheek to Cheek with Ginger in that fluffy feather dress has never been bettered, even by them. Their routines suggest pure romance, but imply their sexual rapport as well.
Of course, Astaire's dancing is gorgeous, but it often comes as a surprise to be reminded just how great Rogers is too. This must have looked so untouchably glamorous to audiences going through the depression. No problem, this made a lot of money for RKO and the duo would become one of the most enduring images of the decade.
0 out of 0 members found this review helpful.