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Reviews
An American in Paris (1951)
Beautiful Cinematography
I like this musical. The art direction is first-rate; not surprising with Minnelli as director. "Stairway to Paradise" is my favorite number because it emanates from a stage number, not from forced emotions. The ballet is overblown, unfortunately, which leads me to my main criticism of this film- the lack of soul or spirit. Every detail is realized, sometimes impressively, but it lacks spontaneity and vigor to make it really fly.
Swing Time (1936)
A Real Treat!
Swing Time is my favorite Astaire/Rogers movie and it is considered by many, rightfully so, the finest of their collaboration. The estimable George Stevens directed this musical and the result is a movie that focuses all its energies where it should be placed- on the magical couple. Gone are the production numbers which comprised of a cast of a thousand dancers and the "other" couple (usually Randolph Scott paired with a singer). Instead, Swing Time pares down the excesses and highlights its musical gifts; and what musical gifts they are! Jerome Kern's score is his best and so affectingly sung by Astaire. The "Bojangles" number is the stuff of legend and the poignant "Never Gonna Dance" communicates the highs and lows of love as eloquently as a Shakespeare sonnet. I recommend this movie highly.