JohnHowardReid Copyright 9 February 1940 by Loew's Inc. A Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer picture. New York opening at the Capitol: 28 March 1940. U.S. release: 9 February 1940. Australian release: 4 July 1940. 11 reels. 9,144 feet. 101 minutes.SYNOPSIS: Astaire and Murphy play a couple of struggling song-and- dance men in New York. Their act is seen by a big theatrical agent who picks out Astaire to be the dancing partner in his big new show opposite the big star, Powell. Through an accident of mistaken identity Murphy gets the job instead, but by the end this is straightened out and Astaire gets not only the part but, apparently, the girl as well.COMMENT: Fine dancing, good songs, silly story. True, Frank Morgan conjures up a mildly amusing portrait, but the romantic triangle with the principals is not only dull but does them all — particularly Astaire — a distinct disservice. Judicious cutting would certainly help. We're surprised that editor Sewell left in so much rubbishy padding between the musical numbers. Taurog's middle-of-the-road direction lacks any sparkle and finesse that might have lifted the boringly straight script into the realm of passable entertainment. Fortunately, once they put on their dancing shoes, Astaire, Powell and Murphy kick up some suitable storms!This was the last of The Broadway Melody series. It would seem to promise much in the union of Astaire and Powell (with George Murphy thrown in as a bonus) — plus a Cole Porter score — but alas in dancing terms it delivers somewhat less than expected. Too much attention is paid to the trite surrounding story.

richard-1787 I've always enjoyed Eleanor Powell's movies. But most of them leave me regretting that she did most of her dancing alone, for lack of a partner to equal her. Buddy Ebsen is wonderful in She's Gotta Dance, but it's not a pairing of equal partners.And then there is this movie. Astaire was, of course, Powell's equal. And we get to appreciate that in this movie, especially in the final "Begin the Beguine" number. Powell doesn't dance with Astaire as his female partner, as Rodgers did in most of her movies with Astaire. She dances along side him as an equal. And the results are breathtaking.The rest of this movie is fine. George Murphy does a good job with his dance numbers, though he should never have been given music to sing. Frank Morgan is his usual wonderful self.But this movie reaches the heights because of the pairing of Powell and Astaire. It's really something to see!

Alex da Silva Fred Astaire (Johnny) and George Murphy (King) have a double act that is going nowhere until Murphy is mistakenly given a break to dance in a show as a leading man to star Eleanor Powell (Clare). Frank Morgan (Casey) is the talent scout who recommends the wrong dancer, Murphy, to show director Ian Hunter (Matthews). Given that this musical stars Astaire and Powell, we spend the film waiting for this pair to come together and do their stuff. And they don't disappoint.Superb technique, quick movement, visually graceful and entertaining to watch…..and that's just George Murphy who is the 3rd best dancer on show! We watch the story unravel but we are really only interested in the musical segments. It is these which elevate my score of the film. The first time Astaire and Powell dance together, we see that they are rivalling one another as demonstrated by their rapport at the end of the sequence. They take turns in giving each other knowing laughs of approval. It's a quality moment. And their finale during Begin the Beguine is an outstanding tap sequence. When George Murphy joins them right at the end for the encore, there is no lapse in the entertainment.I found Frank Morgan irritating at times, Eleanor Powell's mouth has too many teeth and I find it funny how Astaire manages to cut it as a leading man. Who cares, the film has some great dance moments.

martin-fennell Here i go again, rhubarb, hubarb. I don't have a lot to say about this movie. So I'll have to waffle on again here about nothing.lively film about a dance team who have to break up when one of them is offered better things. The thin plot is just an excuse for the wonderful dancing from the three principals.It's not a classic, but t's worth watching. I enjoyed it, especially for the dancing. Did anyone else like the dancing in this movie or was it just me.Anyway blah blah, blah, summer wishes, ice cream, jolly roger, nuts. favourite jolly gumdroms, mixamatosius. yupee , corn dolly, Is that enough o write, i hope it is. If i can't