So many of the reviews imply that Fred's most famous partner, Ginger Rogers, was overrated when compared to Eleanor Powell. I strongly disagree with this contention, at least in regard to this movie. There is no doubt Powell could tap dance circles around Rogers, and as this movie shows, she could certainly do the splits (in the one fairly ridiculous number with the sailors), but I found her character development herein sadly lacking when compared to most of Rogers' characters in her movies with Fred. Much of the movie revolved around Fred's interactions with George Murphy, with only occasional glimpses of the Powell character. With the Astaire/Rogers movies there is much more banter/interaction between the two leads. The one exception is the scene quite late in the movie where, unbeknown to Fred, Powell watches him carry out a whimsical solo dance while toting around a picture of her, this followed by a scene where there's finally some substantial interaction during a luncheon date. The highly touted Begin the Beguine dance number may have been spectacular, but I actually found this solo dance by Fred more enjoyable because of the feeling/emotion involved. This all being said, Powell is certainly a spectacular dancer, and I agree that it would have been nice to see what results further collaboration with Astaire produced. I also agree that she had an amazing smile--she may have exerted as much energy in maintaining that as she did the hoofing.
And I would be remiss if I didn't ask why the film-makers found it necessary from time-to-time to put an imbecile in Astaire movies (think Edward Everett Horton, who was often an annoying distraction in the Rogers movies). Frank Morgan's antics may have been mildly amusing initially, but after awhile it became embarrassingly obnoxious, including the lame running gag with the fur cape.
And I would be remiss if I didn't ask why the film-makers found it necessary from time-to-time to put an imbecile in Astaire movies (think Edward Everett Horton, who was often an annoying distraction in the Rogers movies). Frank Morgan's antics may have been mildly amusing initially, but after awhile it became embarrassingly obnoxious, including the lame running gag with the fur cape.