Review of Shall We Dance (1937) by Laurel S — 14 May 2011

Not the greatest of the Fred & Ginger pictures, but still pretty terrific. The plot is your basic "misunderstandings arise from assumed identities" laff fest, but the starring couple is still at the peak of their form and charming as all get-out. The production design is so over-the-top Art Deco that the sets could have easily been from a Flash Gordon movie, and there might be -- maybe -- two scenes where the male cast *isn't* wearing black tie, but that's all just part of the delirious fantasy. And, oh yeah... the music is by a couple of brothers named Gershwin. Forget dancing, nobody sings "They Can't Take That Away from Me" like Fred Astaire. A 100% pure candy treat for the eyes and the ears.

(Seen yesterday on Comcast's "On Demand" service in high definition. I don't know if the film has been restored, but it's never looked this good. If you've got the service, check it out.).