At the peak of his stardom, Fred Astaire made this charming and highly enjoyable musical unfortunately, minus Ginger Rogers. She is replaced in this film by Joan Fontaine, who, while a fine actress in other vehicles, proves to be incapable of light comedy and a thoroughly hapless dance partner.
Otherwise, there is very little fault to find with this story of an American entertainer (Astaire) visiting London with his press agent and his secretary (the incomparable George Burns and Gracie Allen). Burns has given Astaire a reputation as a ladykiller for the sake of publicity, and Fred longs to meet a woman who's sheltered enough to be unaware of his distinction. Enter the aristocratic Fontaine, who lives in a castle and has never heard of Astaire. She tells him she is in love with an American, and he naturally assumes she means him. The usual complications ensue.
Fontaine's shortcomings notwithstanding, this is a very pleasant movie. Astaire gives one of his best `performances,' if that's the word for it. A considerable portion of the show is stolen by Burns and Allen, who perform some of their funniest routines and (remarkably) hold their own with Astaire, dance-wise. The real highlight, however, are the musical score by George and Ira Gershwin, and the Oscar winning choreography. Songs include `A Foggy Day,' `Nice Work if You Can Get It' and `Things Are Looking Up,' and there is an incredible dance sequence in a fun house. All this forms a winning combination for a highly agreeable film.
Otherwise, there is very little fault to find with this story of an American entertainer (Astaire) visiting London with his press agent and his secretary (the incomparable George Burns and Gracie Allen). Burns has given Astaire a reputation as a ladykiller for the sake of publicity, and Fred longs to meet a woman who's sheltered enough to be unaware of his distinction. Enter the aristocratic Fontaine, who lives in a castle and has never heard of Astaire. She tells him she is in love with an American, and he naturally assumes she means him. The usual complications ensue.
Fontaine's shortcomings notwithstanding, this is a very pleasant movie. Astaire gives one of his best `performances,' if that's the word for it. A considerable portion of the show is stolen by Burns and Allen, who perform some of their funniest routines and (remarkably) hold their own with Astaire, dance-wise. The real highlight, however, are the musical score by George and Ira Gershwin, and the Oscar winning choreography. Songs include `A Foggy Day,' `Nice Work if You Can Get It' and `Things Are Looking Up,' and there is an incredible dance sequence in a fun house. All this forms a winning combination for a highly agreeable film.