Movie #3064 "Top Hat" (Amazon Prime) Now, here is the most popular of all 10 of their films together, the one critics say "defines" the series. And I can see why --- they seem to "speak" while "dancing" -- and that is the major magic through all their work -- but it is clearly delineated in this one --- And maybe this is the one I have seen the most since it is the one on TCM on New Year's Eve every year! But I just think the story is boring...... It doesn't take off until at least 20 minutes into the rain song "Isn't it a lovely day to be out in the rain." (in the gazebo) The story uses a lame storyline -- mistaken identity --- she thinks the guy upstairs who tap dances and prevents her from sleeping in the hotel is her friend's husband --- and he's been flirting with her, and we wonder just how long it will take for them both to figure that out???? And the 11 o'clock number is boring in that she just sings and there'a a big chorus full of Busby Berkley stuff behind her . You can tell they were trying to keep us all awake in this one because it is a two-slapper film --- even her real hubby gets a black eye --- this film definitely has more violence than the others ! BUT there are lots of "TOP" stuff going on in this film: : the "Top Hat" song allows Astaire to shine; "Heaven" she's got the feathery dress we have all seen her wear - and we are reminded that no one dances together like these two, and this number cinches that! And the film strikes a sublime final chord when the two of them dance at the very end through the titles.... nice idea. You can really see the famous quote about this duo come out in the film: "Fred Gives Ginger Class, she gives him sex." I'd give it a 4.
Top Hat
1935
Starring: Fred Astaire, Ginger Rogers
Often considered the duo’s best dancing film, the movie with a score by Irving Berlin follows a woman who mistakenly thinks her best friend's husband is in love with her.
Available on: Vudu, YouTube, Amazon Prime, iTunes, Google Play
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