The Barkleys of Broadway

Not much needs to be said about this film except that it was the last time Astaire and Rogers appeared together on screen and the only time they were shot in color. One could go on about the entertainment value of their final dance numbers, which are joyous and smooth as silk. Or their vocal duet in the charming "My One and Only Highland Fling." Or the clever way the script mirrors aspects of their careers, with allegations of Astaire being a Svengali, and Rogers wanting to establish herself as a serious actress---issues long since dismissed by Ginger's separate successes. But the final appearance of Astaire and Rogers together is reason enough to watch and enjoy this film that almost starred Astaire and Garland. And now that I've seen it, they can't take that away from me.

Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers are glorious in technicolor and reunited again as Josh and Dinah Barkley. The film may not have the great writing but it does have terrific dancing with Astaire and Rogers. There are touching moments in the film like when Fred and Ginger dance on stage. They played Broadway performers who take a break from each other and pursue other options. Dinah wants to prove herself while Josh is still in love with her. You can see why Fred and Ginger are still fabulous onscreen, on the dance floor and stage altogether. Billie Burke has a supporting role as the mother. It's not so much about the storyline but reuniting one of Hollywood's golden couples in glorious technicolor.

Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers ended their film association with this wonderful 1949 film. Their singing and dancing was marvelous as usual. The opening scene, while the credits rolled, was memorable. The Irish number was fantastic and no one can forget They Can't Take That Away from Me. Oscar Levant is in fine form as their friend and Billie Burke's voice is just what is needed as the upper society matron of the Broadway scene. A successful Broadway couple whose constant bickering eventually threatens their marriage, both Rogers and Astaire were in top form. Ginger aspires to go beyond musical comedy to the world of serious acting when she is cast to play a young Sarah Bernhardt. A lot of this film mirrored real-life when Ginger left musicals to become a serious actress only to cop the Oscar for 1940's "Kitty Foyle."

Another fluffy concoction from the Freed unit at MGM, this one most notable for the reteaming of Rogers and Astaire after a ten year break, with the usual mix of tunes and laughs. Full of the usual high jinks expected from the stars, the screenwriters and the creative team it's hard to resist...even if the polish can't completely cover all the cracks. When Fred and Ginger dance (again) to "They Can't Take That Away From Me" you just can't help but melt! Who could ask for anything more?

"The Barkleys of Broadway" holds up well as a fun musical, especially significant as Fred and Ginger's final re-teaming effort. It's just downright good fun to see them together again, singing and dancing as only they can. What a delightful screen pair they are!

This is my first Astaire Rogers film and it was better than I expected. They are both good at the fast dialgue. Although older looking in this one, Ginger is pretty to look at. She has an intelligent wisecracking way about her in this film. It is fast paced and never lags. It is highly entertaining, and if this is one of their least watchable, I can't wait to see the others. The dialogue is quite witty. The storyline may be a little far-fetched, not exactly realistic, but a good picture. I enjoyed it more than some of the better known stuff. I would for instance take them over Hepburn and Tracy. They look good together visually. Someone did a clever job with their dressing table decor and attire. It is fun to watch them as they primp in front of the mirror and carry on with each other.