The Barkleys Of Broadway Details

This movie was originally intended as a vehicle for the successful Easter Parade team, but in fact resulted in the reteaming of Ginger Rogers and Fred Astaire after a ten-year break, with Rogers replacing an ailing Judy Garland. Although it's marvellous to see Fred and Ginger together again, this time in Technicolor, this backstage vehicle does neither of them a great service. Fred is as chirpy and debonair as ever, but time hasn't been kind to Ginger, who has lost her freshness, and she's not helped by some of the hokey situations here, including reciting La Marseillaise! On the plus side, Fred's special-effects number Shoes with Wings On is excellent, the duo revives the Gershwins' They Can't Take That Away from Me, and Oscar Levant has some fun moments. Cherishable, but a bit disappointing.

A rather flat and unattractive reunion for a famous pair, with a witless script, poorish numbers and very little style. The compensations are minor.