Average Rating: 7.1/10
Reviews Counted: 7
Fresh: 6 | Rotten: 1
No consensus yet.
Release Date: May 7, 1937 Limited
liked it
Average Rating: 3.7/5
User Ratings: 8,529
The seventh of RKO's Fred Astaire--Ginger Rogers musicals, Shall We Dance casts Astaire as a world-renowned ballet dancer and Rogers as a musical comedy headliner. Rogers' manager Jerome Cowan concocts a phony romance between his client and Astaire in order to garner publicity for them both. Eventually, of course, the twosome falls in love for real, but not before a cornucopia of confusion, complications and misunderstandings. Highlights include a number performed on roller skates and Astaire's
May 7, 1937 Limited
Aug 16, 2005
RKO Radio Pictures
All Critics (11) | Top Critics (2) | Fresh (6) | Rotten (1) | DVD (4)
It's about innuendo and devious plots (though, of course, the stories are always essentially backdrops to showcasing the Astaire-and-Rogers show), and while it has plenty of amusing moments and some good musical numbers, it feels stiff at times,
Made at the height of popularity of Astaire and Rogers, this elegant musical boasts glorious score from the Gershwins, including the songThey Can't Take That away From Me, which was nominated for an Oscar.
When viewed today it fares much better critically as a stylish and sophisticated musical comedy from the Art Deco era.
...the plot is what makes this Astaire/Rogers pairing frustrating, the dances slightly undercut by that.
It was a great move to have Astaire be a ballet instructor in the script, because his style is so ballet it's ridiculous. Their duets are so, so magical I never want the film to end. And they work together incredibly well, too - the dog walking scene is just adorable.
April 28, 2011Super Reviewer
Some of the greatest plot twists of the day; the hairbrained comedy and always great sidekick Edward Everett Horton brought down the house. Including the music of the always idolized Gershwins and a number on rollerskates that was to die for, this is by far one of the better Rogers/Astaire teamings.
July 13, 2010Super Reviewer
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