This was one of several transitional movies made by Astaire between his RKO and MGM years which means more or less that it's minor Astaire but let's face it even minor Astaire is light years ahead of major Kelly so that by and large this is an entertaining soufflé'. Most of us weren't of course around on its initial release - anyone who was even ten in 1941 would be 75 in today's money - so we probably buy the DVD for the Cole Porter score as much as the Astaire hoofing. Old King Cole doesn't disappoint though one of his finest ballads 'Dream Dancing' is only heard briefly and orchestrally but this still leaves So Near And Yet So Far and Since I Kissed My Baby Goodbye, both top-drawer Porter plus Boogie Barcarolle and Wedding Cake-Walk both of which offer excellent hoofing opportunities. The plot - PLOT! you're kidding, right? - is typical of the time and about as believable as anything that ever came out of Nixon's mouth but Robert Benchley is on hand with his peculiar brand of whimsy and comic timing and Fred gets to dance with the gorgeous Rita Hayworth so whaddya want, blood?
Review of You'll Never Get Rich
