As a movie, this is a real stinker. The plot premise (the rapid movement from dislike to romance) is bad enough, but not uncommon, but the pairing of 60 year old (and looking every day of it) Victor Moore as best bud of Fred is laughable. No wait, the pairing of Helen Broderick as best bud of Ginger now that's laughable. Both of these actors have the presence of a block of wood on the screen.
So why watch it? People who know dance (I'm not one of them), say that 3 of the 10 greatest dances ever filmed appear here. I wouldn't know but the dancing is spectacular, for me, particularly the dance to "Pick Yourself Up".
Also, arguably, the movie introduces 3 songs that are solid members of the Great American Songbook. Great Jerome Kern / Dorothy Fields collaborations of "The Way You Look Tonight" (the Oscar winner and only award of this stiff), the aforementioned "Pick Yourself Up" and "A Fine Romance". 3!!!!
So watch. The dance is great; the music is great. Watching the plot and the clunky sidekicks bumble through this film is like watching a train wreck. Three great songs and three great dances deserved a better vehicle.
So why watch it? People who know dance (I'm not one of them), say that 3 of the 10 greatest dances ever filmed appear here. I wouldn't know but the dancing is spectacular, for me, particularly the dance to "Pick Yourself Up".
Also, arguably, the movie introduces 3 songs that are solid members of the Great American Songbook. Great Jerome Kern / Dorothy Fields collaborations of "The Way You Look Tonight" (the Oscar winner and only award of this stiff), the aforementioned "Pick Yourself Up" and "A Fine Romance". 3!!!!
So watch. The dance is great; the music is great. Watching the plot and the clunky sidekicks bumble through this film is like watching a train wreck. Three great songs and three great dances deserved a better vehicle.