Top Hat
On Sunday afternoon, my wife and I were treated to the incredibly entertaining Ginger Rogers and Fred Astaire film Top Hat. Top Hat is, for those not too familiar with the work of Rogers and Astaire, arguably the quintessential film for the song and dance pair. The film was also the most successful film to come out of their partnership and contains many classic songs, including my wife’s favourite tune of all time “Cheek to Cheek.” The film marks Fred Astaire’s second most popular film ever, right behind Easter Parade and has been referenced in nostalgia in many films.
Top Hat is, like most films of this type, very light and innocent. I was instantly drawn in by the simple story of dancer Jerry Travers (Astaire) as he comes to London to star in a show produced by a friend named Horace (Edward Everett Horton). Travers eventually meets Dale Tremont (Rogers) and tries to gain her affection. As per usual in 1930s Hollywood, however, something goes awry and the hijinks are well on their way. Unfortunately for lovelorn Travers, Tremont confuses him with the husband of one of her friends, Madge (Helen Broderick). Madge’s husband, to complete this comical square, is Horace.
