MovieChat Forums > The Story of Vernon and Irene Castle (1939) Discussion > The Least Known

The Least Known

posted 17 years ago by vernvaquer
12 replies | jump to latest

I think most people would agree this is Astaire&Rogers least well-known film. Roberta, Carefree and sometimes Flying Down to Rio are normally argued to be relatively unknown or underrated, but I think this one is truly little seen. It's a shame, because it is a beautiful film, and it's refreshing to see the two married, without "the chase" taking up most of the movie. Also, the chemistry in their acting scenes and their believability (sp?) as a married couple is touching. The dancing is also very good.

If someone is new to Astaire and Rogers, i definitely would NOT recommend this film to begin with, but if you become a fan, than definitely check it out.

[–] amabiliscasa 17 years ago

If someone is new to Astaire and Rogers, i definitely would NOT recommend this film to begin with, but if you become a fan, than definitely check it out.

I wouldn't make it the very first picture either. This was maybe the third or forth Astaire Rogers picture that I saw. I thought it was good, because I didn't come to or away from it saying, "OMG soooo not classic Fred and Ginger!!1!" as so many of the film critics do. To me, not knowing that Fred and Ginger usually acted in fluffy movie musicals, I just thought that this was a beautiful little film, charming and heartfelt.

But I do see your point - I guess I go either way!

__________
We cannot direct the wind, but we can adjust the sails. - Bertha Calloway

[–] 17 years ago

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[–] The_Dying_Flutchman 15 years ago

I enjoyed the Fred Astaire produced film about the life of Ray Fladeboe which was intrinsic to the rebuilding of the great wall of .

What is the sound an imploding pimp makes?

[–] FredAndGingerMad 14 years ago

it also seems to be the hardest to get hold of, i've heard this is better if one can find it on vhs as opposed to dvd, can anyone comment on this?

[–] 14 years ago

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[–] FredAndGingerMad 14 years ago

i ended up having to buy the box set to get hold of this one, carefree and flying down to rio, so now i have duplicates for 5 of the 10 astaire-rogers movies, despite that it was totally worth it, i loved the story of vernon and irene castle even though i knew what was going to happen (i wanted to know who they were) and found it interesting that half the songs that i grew up listening to were from that era (bearing in mind i'm only 23!) if anyone were to ask what my fave astaire-rogers movie is i couldnt answer them because i love em all

[–] Charlies_girl7681 14 years ago

I'm just finishing this now and it is by far my favorite Astaire/Rogers film. It has plot! Wow lol. I love the story and the dances. I think Gingers clothes are the best in all 10 films. I REALLY liked it. If you haven't seen it watch it, its great!

Katharine Hepburn died yesterday; I don't have to believe it if I don't want to.

[–] trf100 14 years ago

Truly, this is their most boring and uneventful musical together.

Their talents are wasted on this snooze-fest.

5/10

[–] FredAndGingerMad 14 years ago

bearing in mind its a true story, they were kinda restricted

I've danced with you, I'm never gonna dance again - Lucky to Penny in Swingtime, 1936

[–] Errington_92 11 years ago

Although I enjoyed the first half of the film it became slightly uneven due to the five minute montage sequence of their success. I know it is based on true events but the montage seemed quite self - indulgent which was an unnecessary change in tone. Then the element of sentimentality slipped in, though it did not dent the performances of Astaire and Rogers. Their chemistry was its usual delight.

"I'd rather be hated for who I am, than loved for who I am not".

[–] sillyspaghetti 10 years ago

Watching this at the moment. Love the part where the little dog "attacks" the gentleman that Vernon and Irene go to for an advance in wages. And I love Walter's Homer Simpson-type "Dinner" moment. The dancing, of course, is wonderful too. :)

[–] greenbudgie 10 years ago

I have just seen this film for the first time. It's not the time setting that I was expecting. But I really enjoyed it. It has more of a story than the usual Astaire & Rogers films I thought. I liked Walter Brennan and Edna May Oliver in the film. Interesting characters in this movie. I would actually recommend this film as worth a try for any Classic fans. Now I've ticked this one off my list, 'Roberta' is the rarity that I am looking forward to seeing.