A really dull Astaire/Rogers vehicle that doesn't have anywhere near as much pizazz as "Top Hat" or their best film together, "Swing Time."
The plot isn't worth summarizing, because there isn't much of one. There never is in movies like this, which doesn't necessarily have to be a problem. But there's not much of anything else in this film to make up for the lack of story, not humor, not energy, and not even really good musical numbers. It's a good half hour into the movie before Astaire gets to really cut loose in a full-blown production number, one set in the engine room of a ocean liner, and that ends up being the highlight. His dances with Ginger aren't especially memorable, except for one performed on roller skates, and that's only so because Ginger looks somewhat uncertain on them and close to wiping out a couple of times. Character actors Edward Everett Horton and Eric Blore, staples of these films, provide their requisite comedy schtick that feels tired this time around.
Sorry to say, but the answer to "Shall We Dance" is "nah...I'll find another partner, thank you very much."
Grade: C-
The plot isn't worth summarizing, because there isn't much of one. There never is in movies like this, which doesn't necessarily have to be a problem. But there's not much of anything else in this film to make up for the lack of story, not humor, not energy, and not even really good musical numbers. It's a good half hour into the movie before Astaire gets to really cut loose in a full-blown production number, one set in the engine room of a ocean liner, and that ends up being the highlight. His dances with Ginger aren't especially memorable, except for one performed on roller skates, and that's only so because Ginger looks somewhat uncertain on them and close to wiping out a couple of times. Character actors Edward Everett Horton and Eric Blore, staples of these films, provide their requisite comedy schtick that feels tired this time around.
Sorry to say, but the answer to "Shall We Dance" is "nah...I'll find another partner, thank you very much."
Grade: C-