Top Hat (1935)
1h 41m | PG-13
Showman Jerry Travers is working for producer Horace Hardwick in London. Jerry demonstrates his new dance steps late one night in Horace's hotel room, much to the annoyance of sleeping Dale Tremont below. She goes upstairs to complain and the two are immediately attracted to each other. Complications arise when Dale mistakes Jerry for Horace.
Director: Mark Sandrich
Studio: RKO Radio Pictures
Genre: Music, Comedy, Romance
Video: 720p
Cast
Fred Astaire
as Jerry Travers
Ginger Rogers
as Dale Tremont
Edward Everett Horton
as Horace Hardwick
Erik Rhodes
as Alberto Beddini
Eric Blore
as Bates
Helen Broderick
as Madge Hardwick
Reviews
My late Mum used to have an LP by British artist Peter Skellern, melodiously singing some of the magnificent songs from the Astaire/Rogers musicals - and it has stayed with me ever since. This is probably my favourite - the dancing is delicate and stylish; the chemistry between Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers is electric; and although the plot itself leaves a great deal to be desired; it's not about the story - it's about the people and Irving Berlin's wonderful suite of songs - "Isn't it a lovely day?"; "Top hat, White Tie & Tails"; "Cheek to Cheek". To be critical, for a moment, neither are really very good actors, or singers - but when pitched together they more than compensate with a generous dose of elegant chic! Eric Blore is also rather good as the really supercilious "Bates" - the kind of butler everyone ought to have, but nobody would actually want!