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.

[–] Goranjake 7 years ago

I will never understand the controversy. It's horribly cruel and insensitive in something like Birth of a Nation, but Astaire using it to play another man onstage doesn't bother me.
I wouldn't care if some black guy did a performance in white face.

[–] liscarkat (16737) 5 years ago

It's a tribute by Astaire to another dancer he admired. No offence was intended, no offence was taken by Bill Robinson, and none should be taken by anyone today. It's so clearly inoffensive, even low intelligence is no excuse for being offended.