Top Hat (1935)

Fred and Ginger dancing to old favorite tunes with such elegance is the real reason to watch this movie.The plot centers around the fact that Ginger has confused the Fred character. She thinks throughout the film that he is married to Helen Broderick whose real husband Edward Everett Horton has a mate on the side complicating the situation.As the film goes along, you wonder when Rogers will find out the truth and then all shall become tranquil.Instead, this goes on aimlessly and her Italian boss enters into the picture, she weds him quickly, or at least they think they're wed.Helen Broderick is excellent as the wise wife who at first doesn't realize that her husband is being confused with the Jerry Travers (Astaire) character.Just put on a top hat and smile your way through.

One of the best musicals ever, and perhaps Fred Astaire and Ginger Roger's best film as well. Edward Everett Horton and Eric Blore are hilarious. Plot is rather thin though, with comic mix-ups moving it along enough to display great songs and dance numbers.Astaire plays a dancer (imagine that!) named Jerry that's working for producer Hardwick (Horton). He meets Rogers when he interrupts her sleep, but she falls for him anyway. However, he hasn't given her his name so she assumes it's Hardwick, since Jerry is staying in Hardwick's room. Then she finds out that Hardwick is married (to Helen Broderick's character) and is disillusioned. Wonder if it all works out in the end?Directed by Mark Sandrich, the credited writers are Allan Scott and Dwight Taylor, who wrote the story. Lucille Ball and Donald Meek are among those who appear uncredited.Nominated for a Best Picture Academy Award, its Art Direction, Dance Direction (for "Piccolino" and "Top Hat"), and Irving Berlin's Song "Cheek to Cheek" (#15 on AFI's 100 Top Movie Songs of All Time) also received Oscar nominations. The film was added to the National Film Registry in 1990. #15 on AFI's 25 Greatest Movie Musicals list.

Dancer Fred Astaire and model Ginger Rogers meet and immediately fall in love. But when Ginger mistakenly believes Fred is married to her friend, she wants nothing more to do with him. Okay, not the most original plot you'll ever see. Mistaken identity plots were pretty common then (and still show up today). But it's handled well and never feels contrived. This is my favorite Fred & Ginger movie. Both are in top form with wonderful timing and chemistry. Great comedic support from Edward Everett Horton, Eric Blore, Helen Broderick, and a scene-stealing Erik Rhodes ("Never again will I allow women to wear my dresses!"). Songs include the classic "Cheek to Cheek" and the underrated "The Piccolino." The dance numbers are exceptional. Ginger's beautiful, even in that feather dress that Fred Astaire hated so much. Everything works in this one. The comedy, the romance, the songs, the dancing -- it's all perfect.

If there was one film that comes to mind when thinking of Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers it would be Top Hat. And it is easy to see why because it is a wonderful film, whether as a musical, comedy or a timeless and unsurpassed partnership. The story isn't its strongest asset, some may argue that it's the story that they remember the least about Top Hat and a lot of Fred and Ginger's other outings. However that doesn't matter all that much, because it still has a fantastical fun element and told with a lot of charm and warmth. And because everything here just works amazingly well. The art-décor settings are very sumptuous, with costumes that are equally stunning(some of Ginger Rogers' dresses have to be seen to be believed) and handsome photography. Irving Berlin's score and songs are some of the best of any 30s-50s film musical, the witty lyrics, charming melodies and distinctive style is just a joy to listen to throughout. Top Hat, White Tie and Tails is a very catchy title number and really allows Fred Astaire to make it his own, while Isn't It a Lovely Day is one of Berlin's most beautiful songs and Cheek to Cheek has some of the best choreography of any single song of any Fred and Ginger film. Piccolino also comes across very well, Ginger's singing isn't a wow factor but the song itself and the lively choreography do win you over. The songs are helped by the choreography, which is glamorous, good-natured and looks so light-as-a-feather when Fred and Ginger do it. The dialogue is very witty and warm-hearted, the highlights were the hansom-cab scene and anything involving Beddini. The characters are eccentric but immensely likable, it's very easy to warm to and relate to Jerry. And there's no going wrong with the performances either, Fred and Ginger's dance partnership is deservedly iconic, you just admire and sometimes envy how poised and athletic they both are, and their individual performances are just as charming, especially Astaire. The supporting cast sparkle just as much, especially Erik Rhodes who steals every scene he's in and even at times the whole film. In conclusion, a Fred and Ginger classic. 10/10 Bethany Cox