Swing Time (1936) Review

Title: Swing Time
Year: 1936
Director: George Stevens
Country: US
Language: English

The legendary Golden Hollywood actor Fred Astaire was a painstaking craftsman who, usually working with the choreographer Hermes Pan, preplanned even the slightest gesture in his dances. Ginger Rogers, a bombshell of an actress, wasn't as creative as her dance partner but was willing to dance until her feet bled - which often happened. Together they make such complex dances look easy.

A performer and gambler (Fred Estaire) travels to New York City to raise the $25,000 he needs to marry his fiancée, only to become entangled with a beautiful aspiring dancer (Ginger Rogers).

Many of the Astaire-Rogers musicals involve Fred falling in love with Ginger at first sight, after which she backs cautiously away, only to be wooed in a series of dance numbers. They've made a great number of films together, and even though the story is fairly similar each time, we remain mesmerized by their graceful choreography. Swing Time is their fifth picture together and easily their best. 

Directed by George Stevens at a time when he could do no wrong at RKO Radio Pictures. The plot is witty and clever; swiftly linking the great dance sequences, built around Jerome Kern songs, including the climactic “Never Gonna Dance” number. The cherography is complemented by the great cinematography and astounding sets. The technical mastery seen in Swing Time can only improve the physical presence of the characters onscreen. 

I am always impressed by great 1930's musicals; we don't see musicals like this nowadays (and include 2017's La La Land in that statement) Such a craftsman is Fred Estaire, that it is impossible not to be in awe of any performance he has ever had.