JLRVancouver Fred and Ginger dance – that pretty much sums it up. The plot, the standard 'mistaken identity' shtick, allows the stars to meet cute and the supporting team to provide comic relief but is really just an excuse to string together a number of great musical numbers, including the iconic "Dancing cheek to cheek" (feathers and all). Edward Everett Horton is great as Astaire's buddy and mistaken alter-ego (I can't hear his voice without thinking about "Fractured Fairy Tales"), as is Helen Broderick, who plays his flippant wife. This is a film full of tuxedos and gowns, spontaneous yet fully orchestrated singing, extravagant sets, improbable situations, silly but endearing double takes, and Astaire's classic mix of graceful, athletic dancing. "Top Hat" is all romantic fantasy with not a hint of intruding reality and as such, it's perfect way to pass a couple of hours.

SnoopyStyle American performer Jerry Travers (Fred Astaire) is in London to work for lovable producer Horace Hardwick. Jerry starts dancing up a storm in his hotel room annoying Dale Tremont (Ginger Rogers) in the room below. She goes upstairs to complain. Jerry falls for her immediately while she mistakes him for Horace who is married to her friend Madge. He follows her and the Hardwicks to Venice where she's modeling for Italian designer Alberto Beddini.This has Fred and Ginger at their finest with music from Irving Berlin. It can't miss. "I'm in heaven." The story is a simple comedy of errors and misunderstandings. It's fun enough and good enough. The dance numbers are good. There are big ones but it's still the simple Fred and Ginger dance that is the best. This is a nice example of a good ole song and dance from that era.

MissSimonetta There's nothing like Depression-era escapism, especially the Astaire-Rogers brand of it. Devoid of unpleasantness and cynicism, these films are light as air and fun, untouched by silly things like plot. Top Hat (1935) is the most famous of the Astaire and Rogers collaborations. I'm not sure if it's the best, but it's certainly my favorite.Like I said before, the plot is of no consequence. It's the stuff of farce and isn't too memorable. What you're here for is witty dialogue, memorable music, and great dancing. Oh, and those gorgeous Art Deco sets and costumes.There are a lot of movies I wish I lived in and this is one of them. What I wouldn't give to live in such a glamorous world in shimmering black and white...

spitfire2356 Still very watchable. Fred Astaire is Fred Astaire even if he comes as too aware of his star status throughout the film. Ginger is an excellent actress but unfortunately her dancing steps are mostly criminally hidden by too long dresses. The dancing does not take over the whole film and has a measure of spontaneity in it, making it more natural. The sets are laughably prewar, rooms without ceilings - the bridal suite for example - but taken in stride. The characters are likable and the script is witty. Unfortunately the soundtrack quality is terrible by today's standards and while good enough to understand the dialog, renders the music to scratchy gramophone days. Nostalgic yes but cramps the style somewhat.