The Story of Vernon and Irene Castle

Those seeking the chemistry of Astaire/Rogers and great dance numbers - look elsewhere.

Perhaps the most humble of Fred Astaire & Ginger Rogers films together. A homage to the real life dancing pair of Vernon & Irene Castle, ballroom dancers who were very popular before World War 1. That meant more dramatic acting then the snappy 'joke & dance' formula we're used to seeing them in.... which eliminates them from doing what they do best. Walter Brennan stumbles along without any reason for being there, while the movie really could have needed a lot more Edna May Oliver to stay alive!

No Astaire/Rogers magic here. This is an earnest, cowardly biopic which distorts the lives and obscures the legacy of two of America's most influential dancers, who transcended the racial prejudices of their time and brought "Negro" music and dance-steps to the attention of upper-class whites in the U.S. and Europe. Walter Brennan tries his best in a cryptic role that was based on a black man--and would have been played by one if "classic" Hollywood had possessed any courage.

Not much to say here; a competent middle-of-the-road Astaire/Rogers romance/comedy/drama picture with a bit more story and a bit less fancy dancing than we're used to. The true story aspect of it gives it a little more grandeur and respectability - without which it could have been fairly forgettable. Nicely shot, scored, and choreographed, but nothing to make you jump out of your seat and toss your hat in the air. Which is the minimum I require from any musical picture.

no special music here, but the story is one of the better astaire/rogers collaborations. the courting and war sequences are pretty entertaining, and brennan is a treat. if this featured their best music, dancing, and the ending wasn't so abrupt this could have been nearly as good as "top hat".