This is not really in the same league as at least three other Arthur Freed productions that immediately spring to mind. Truth to tell the dialogue is creaky, the theatrical bonhomie rather forced and leading lady Cyd Charisse is sorely in need of a drama coach.
The film runs not far short of two hours but is rendered immortal by roughly eighteen minutes of movie musical magic comprising Fred Astaire's incomparable rendition of 'By myself'; an impeccable but tantalisingly brief routine by Astaire and Jack Buchanan performing 'I'll guess I'll have to change my plan'; the inspired and wonderfully characterful 'Girl Hunt' ballet choreographed by Michael Kidd and what is surely the jewel in the crown, the lush orchestration of Howard Dietz' 'Dancing in the Dark', again choreographed by Mr. Kidd as a pas de deux for Astaire and Charisse which is a miracle of grace, poise and refined sensuality. This is three minutes of utter sublimity which calls to mind the observation that Dance is the perpendicular expression of a horizontal desire.
Although frequently asked, Mr. Astaire was notoriously reluctant to name his favourite partner but is on record as saying that "when you've danced with Cyd Charisse, you stay danced with".
The film runs not far short of two hours but is rendered immortal by roughly eighteen minutes of movie musical magic comprising Fred Astaire's incomparable rendition of 'By myself'; an impeccable but tantalisingly brief routine by Astaire and Jack Buchanan performing 'I'll guess I'll have to change my plan'; the inspired and wonderfully characterful 'Girl Hunt' ballet choreographed by Michael Kidd and what is surely the jewel in the crown, the lush orchestration of Howard Dietz' 'Dancing in the Dark', again choreographed by Mr. Kidd as a pas de deux for Astaire and Charisse which is a miracle of grace, poise and refined sensuality. This is three minutes of utter sublimity which calls to mind the observation that Dance is the perpendicular expression of a horizontal desire.
Although frequently asked, Mr. Astaire was notoriously reluctant to name his favourite partner but is on record as saying that "when you've danced with Cyd Charisse, you stay danced with".