Review of Top Hat (1935) by Geoff C — 04 Dec 2009

Sometimes it is funny how some things in life yields a domino effect. I had never even heard of Fred Astaire or Ginger Rogers until I saw "The Green Mile". In "The Green Mile" there is a clip of this movie of Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers dancing. I decided I wanted to find out what the name of the film was, and I wanted to watch it. At this point in my life, I think my interest in old films was partially based on a desire to be more culturally aware than my friends (who as 9-12 year olds in the late '90s, early '2000s pretty much only ever talked about Pokemon) were. My mom saw the clip of the film on some TV show, and according to said TV show, the name of the film was, of course "Top Hat".

As soon as I was able, I went to Borders and bought it on VHS. I loved it. It is amazing how they can make such a physically slight man, who tap dances like Fred Astaire, and turn him into a girl-getting, protagonist.

In a way, he is like the James Bond character in the respect that a guy can look at the screen and say "I want to be him". At least I did. What set him apart from the James Bond like characters was his courtesy to people. I can not really explain what I am trying to say unless you watch the film your self.

As for Ginger, she was probably one of the most beautiful stars in the '30s. She is very graceful on the screen, and maybe even had to work harder in the films than Fred did. As they say: Ginger did everything Fred did. Only Backwards and in high heels.

Of course I couldn't finish this review without praising Fred's sidekick Edward Everett Horton. He was a master of the double-take. The ultimate victim of circumstance. He was a great character actor. If you are a classic movie aficionado, you might have seen him in some of the oldies.

It is a romantic comedy, but I am hesitant to call this a "chick flick". In their hayday, everybody went to see Astaire/Rogers films. It is sad how they are now forgotten by so many people (especially in my age group) these days. When I am watching my little brothers and sisters, I am always sure to put one of these films on for them. Start good habits early.