This is probably one of their best,equalling "Top Hat" in this Astaire-Rogers series. Perhaps the wit and dialog are old fashioned and wordy by modern standards,but after looking over this film again, I would say that there is now no modern talent or effort to match it. Just watch the detail and hard work put into the 15-20 sequence of "The Continental" and try to imagine anything these days that would compare. This is a song and (very good) dance musical appearing in the Depression years.It's an absolutely uplifting picture. It seems that after "Roberta","Top Hat" and "Swing Time" and a few others, the style seems to fade a bit until we get into the more serious, later films.These early films are unique. And when Astaire is partnered with other dancers,somehow the panache isn't there;and Rogers goes off to be a character actress.
Review of The Gay Divorcee
