Fred And Ginger

This collection features a group of films which can now only be described as vintage in terms of their age, but classic in terms of their enduring style, elegance and appeal. To some modern eyes, they may now seem simplistic in some ways, even quaint, but make no mistake, class is class in any day and age. You couldn't put the matchless Astaire and Rogers in any film, then back them up with marvellous choreography, stunning art deco sets, and a succession of glorious songs from some of the greatest composers who ever turned a tune, and not generate something truly special, indeed unique. To paraphrase a famous quotation, he who is tired of Astaire and Rogers is tired of life. The plots might be daft, but honestly, who cares, when you've got this much energy, verve and sheer style going for you? These films were all about fun, razzle dazzle, Entertainment with a capital 'E', and that's just what you get, in spades. So my advice is simple. Do yourself a favour. Just sit back and wallow in some of the most accomplished singing and dancing ever committed to film. It's wonderful. It's enchanting. It's Fred and Ginger; enough said.

Forget the plot – it’s a load of old hooey with all sorts of farcical misunderstandings arising out of a dancer meeting an American girl in London and getting involved in her divorce co-respondent case. This marks the first starring vehicle for the legendary dance team, and while he’s a bit of a sleaze, she’s a fresh, vigorous presence. Wisely backed up by some very capable supporting players (Rhodes in particular is a hoot as the Italian helping out in the divorce), this is a lot of fun because of its divine Art Deco sets and the 16 minute “Continental” number at the end, which is an absolute show-stopper.

Top Hat is really top class entertainment; toe tapping songs, dancing that doesn't have you staring out of the window 5 minutes after it's started, witty dialogue that really is witty and a wonderful scene of a hansom cab ride down Whitehall and over Westminster Bridge, that though obviously a filmed backdrop, gives me a thrill every time I see it. Highly recommended.

Just the sort of film to lift the gloom. Fantastic sets, wonderful songs and dancing, warmth, humour, very undemanding plot. Great film. Actually I went out and bought it afterwards, along with four or five other Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers' films. That should see me through the recession!

This was obviously a classy number, especially as it's 75 years old and still up there in the lists of all time greats. The plot was fairly straightforward in that you knew the outcome after about 5 minutes, the acting was good and the sound exceptional in the remastered copy, but the dancing was the out of this world, and that's where the beauty of the film lies. I think my favourite acting performance was from Eric Blore as Bates, the very knowing manservant.