You would not guess that this number would launch a partnership lasting 10 movies, but it does look like they're having fun. And for the next two minutes on screen, they do a lot of stomping. MONDELLO: She's in a dress that bounces at the hem. ROGERS: (As Honey Hale) We'll show them a thing or three. MONDELLO: Not really in their wheelhouse, but. MONDELLO: The band was playing a Latin dance, the carioca.ĪSTAIRE: (As Fred Ayres) I'd like to try this thing just once. ROGERS: (As Honey Hale) Just how much does it cost to get home from here? (SOUNDBITE OF FILM, "FLYING DOWN TO RIO") The first time some 16 years earlier, they were bit players in a forgettable piece of fluff called "Flying Down To Rio," their spot a specialty number when the characters were stuck at a nightclub without a ride back. MONDELLO: This is from "The Barkleys Of Broadway," a 1949 star vehicle that was the only Astaire-Rogers film in color and the last time they danced together. (SOUNDBITE OF FILM, "THE BARKLEYS OF BROADWAY")ĪSTAIRE: (As Josh Barkley) All right. Movies were the cheapest form of entertainment back then, and escape on-screen meant extravagance, romance and stories slight enough to get out of the way. MONDELLO: Of course they dance the nation's depression away in both the economic and emotional senses. ![]() And then he steps slightly sideways, and she leans into his shoulder. ![]() And for a moment, holding hands, they just walk around the dance floor, a few seconds longer than you think you can stand it. MONDELLO: "Swing Time" was the sixth of their 10 films together, and it's more or less perfect of its type, with a bunch of terrific numbers for the two of them, including one in tux and evening gown where he says that having danced with her, he'll never dance again. MONDELLO: Several minutes of sheer bliss ensue - Fred dapper, charming and a stunning tap dancer Ginger, as is often noted, doing everything he does but backwards and in heels. MONDELLO: Now she does, and her face lights up.ĪSTAIRE: (As Lucky Garnett) Shall we try it right through? Won't you sit down, Mr. Gordon.ĪSTAIRE: (As Lucky Garnett) Now, how did you say that last step went? He's trying to make it right with her boss, Mr. MONDELLO: She's just gotten fired because of something Fred did. GINGER ROGERS: (As Penny Carroll) No, never mind. And that seems like a fine reason to let critic Bob Mondello wax nostalgic about Rogers dancing cheek to cheek with Fred Astaire.īOB MONDELLO, BYLINE: Fred and Ginger danced America through the Great Depression - no reason they shouldn't dance us through this, he suave and ever eager she reluctant at first but then going along in "Swing Time," say, where Ginger's a tap instructor.įRED ASTAIRE: (As Lucky Garnett) Miss Carroll, I want to show Mr. Ginger Rogers, the late legendary actor and dancer from Hollywood's golden age, would have turned 112 this week.
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