Some believe this is the best of the Astaire-Rogers musical - I saw it on a double bill with Top Hat and actually preferred that, because it had a stronger story and support cast. Yes, okay, laugh at me enjoying it because of the story, but that's the truth. The plot is convoluted and involves Astaire having to raise $25,000 so his fiancee will agree to marry him; the shenanigans where Fred meets Ginger involving trying to retrieve Fred's lucky penny was confusing and weak. I also found Victor Moore, as Fred's friend irritating - he took forever to spit out his lines.
However Fred and Ginger are in magnificent form; the director was George Stevens, and his influence can be felt on the scenes which seem as though they've had all this work done on them and are full of naturalistic touches and bits of warmth.
There are three classic songs: "The Way You Look Tonight", "Pick Yourself Up" and "A Fine Romance" and some typically brilliant dance numbers.
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