Review of You'll Never Get Rich (1941) by Greg W — 14 Dec 2011

This film came as a neatly wrapped gift from the heavens above for both its leading stars. Rita Hayworth was already well known but despite more than two dozen film credits, she had few important parts to her credit (most memorable were Only Angels Have Wings and Susan & God) and was now languishing at a career stand-still at her studio Columbia. This was her first movie âon loanâ? to another studio.

Fred Astaireâ(TM)s career had of course already soared too much more dizzying heights, but since his split from cinematic partner Ginger Rogers his career had also plateau-ed and was now showing signs of going the way of the Dodo.

Along came this little song and dance film, which revived Astaireâ(TM)s career and proved him financially viable even without Rogers; and which propelled Hayworth to the height of fame, eventually leading her to playing the title role in Gilda, thus becoming one of the most recognizable and legendary actresses of all time. Not a bad achievement for a not all that impressive little film.

Now donâ(TM)t get me wrong, I enjoyed this musical, so when I say it is not that impressive, I only mean that it doesnâ(TM)t really stand out in any way, other than that it solidified the careers of two actors destined to become legends.

Few people will be able to hum any of the songs from the film, despite their popularity at the time, and an Oscar nomination for one of them. If you enjoy the grand musical genre of this period, then you will enjoy the songs though.

Astaire is of course, with Gene Kelly, one of the two most identifiable dance-musical stars of his era (and of all time, letâ(TM)s not be coy), but if criticism must be levied at the man, then it is that despite his great prowess, he did tend to stick to a certain type of dancing. In contrast this film features a routine with Hayworth â" The Boogie Barcarolle â" which is unique in his entire career.

As a final note: Rita Hayworth is one of the Golden Age of Hollywoodâ(TM)s many famed troubled stars, mentally tortured both by the ânew type of fameâ? that emerged around the time, and by the almost inhuman Studio System (a system which destroyed or nearly destroyed the careers â" and often lives â" of many actresses, including Judy Garland, Jean Harlow, and Marilyn Monroe just to name a few). Looking back on a troubled career, colourful marriage history and other misfortunes, she was quoted as saying wistfully that the only jewels in her life were the films she made with Fred Astaire, naming this particular one with great fondness.