MovieChat Forums > Swing Time (1936) Discussion > My favorite Astaire/Rogers film BUT

My favorite Astaire/Rogers film BUT

posted 18 years ago by rpniew
41 replies | jump to latest

I really like the film Astaire and Rogers are in full "swing" here, at the top of their careers, with great music and a sweet-natured comedy. However, I must admit that I have a problem with the "Bojangles of Harlem" number. I realize no harm was intended and that Astaire was doing a respectful homage (certainly more respectful than what Jolson and Cantor were doing) but it is just too hard not to look at the number without a 21st century perspective -- and I have tried. Ebert has said this is the only blackface number that doesn't make him squirm. Good for him, but I squirm. I usually deal with the situation by leaving the tape running and going to the bathroom. Otherwise it is my favorite Fred and Ginger film.

[–] Kinematico 16 years ago

I didn't find Astaire's blackface to be particularly offensive, but then I am not african-american.

IMO the presence of the "Blackface" in Hollywood films reflects clearly the racism from that era (still alive to some extent sadly), but not necessarily the actors who performed in blackface were trying to denigrate black people. Actually I've read that Astaire did the Bojangles number as a homage to Bill Robinson.

Of course blackface or any other denigratory representation of ethnic minorities shouldn't be allowed anymore. I mean movies like "The Love Guru" have no room in the XXI century, That's my opinion.

[–] 16 years ago

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[–] BeautifulLetdown88 16 years ago

Whoever mentioned "Birth of a Nation," bravo. In comparison to that film, Astaire's 'Bojangles' number is like a brand of worship.

"Eva Longoria must be a lesbian cause she married a woman."

[–] TheRealBambi 15 years ago

10-4. It's a great film ... and I didn't feel a racist vibe, but it's still hard to watch. Those times sucked for people of color .... still do to a much lesser degree.

That being said, I really loved the dance numbers. Great, great choreography; great script, wonderful everything!

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[–] 15 years ago

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[–] trina_crys 15 years ago

Never really bothered me at all. He's not making fun of anyone. He's not acting slack jawed and over exaggerated. He's just in costume, that's how I see it and have never really thought much of it. I being mixed raced myself(black/white) never even paid it much mind till I seen this thread lol.

[–] FredAndGingerMad 14 years ago

Didn't particuarly bother me, it was done as a tribute and around that time was common enough (think jolson etc) but i can't say i liked it but then again i wasn't expecting it. i can't say i have a favourite of the astaire-rogers musicals as i've only seen 5 including swing time and so far i'm not sure i could choose a favourite because they're all so good (incidently ive seen top hat, shall we dance, follow the fleet, swingtime and the barkleys of broadway)

[–] orchid_dalloway 15 years ago

While I too have trouble stomaching black face numbers, I agree with Ebert. This is the only black face number that I have seen that has not made me squirm. Many are much worse-Holiday Inn comes to mind.

[–] lewis-51 12 years ago

It was a fantastic number and the blackface didn't bother me in the slightest. No ridicule or slight of anyone was intended; if anything the opposite. All the people who say it makes them squirm really ought to grow up.

Appreciate it for what is was, leave your 21st century preconceptions out of it. If you allow yourself to be so culture-bound, you will miss most of the great art in the world.

[–] CasaK 11 years ago

It's a great scene! I loved it! There is obviously no disrespect intended in it. I don't get why people get offended by that kind of stuff.

[–] lousvr 9 years ago

WILL SOMEBODY PLEASE GET A LIFE .... AND TAKE THAT POLE OUT OF YOUR ..... JEZ