This isn't much of a movie but there are some great piano numbers by Oscar Levant. One hilarious song about life in the country and a fine comedic performance from Ginger Rogers. That and the beautiful technicolor cinematography make it worthy of a lookie-dookie.
Disagree. This is a highly underrated MGM musical, with MANY highlights.
How can you mention "A Weekend in the Country" and leave out the
sensational "Shoes with wings on" and "They Can't Take That Away From
Me???" It also boasts a very witty script by comden and Green. The
finale is also a knockout (but too short!).
i never get why 'you'd be hard to replace' is never mentioned by anyone, i think its one of the nicest numbers in the movie after 'they can't take that away from me' and 'shoes with wings on' i also like the finale, its very catchy much more than swing trot in my opinion..
most people i know who like astaire-rogers films either dont like it much or havent seen it because they're content with the rko films but when i was first trying to track down all their films (and that took a long time) barkleys of broadway was the one i rewatched most often
I, too, love "You'd Be So Hard to Replace." But Astaire made every
song sound like Gershwin. Pure genius. I love this film, even the
straight scenes. The moment when Rogers tells him it's over (after
"They Can't Take That Away") is so well played. And the shots of
Astaire feeling as though he's losing his wife to that French snob
are sensitively handled. I also LOVE Gale Robbins as the understudy,
always waiting/hoping Rogers will break her leg. As for numbers, let's
not forget "My one and only Highland Fling" and "Bouncin' the Blues."
Gale Robbin's character really annoyed me but then i guess she was supposed to! i can't say i was a fan of 'my one and only highland fling' but i kinda see it in acting terms as the complete opposite to 'you can't take that away from me' as in th first its ginger striving for attention from fred, and in the second its very much the opposite which makes for a refreshing change. i do like 'bouncin the blues' its one of their most entertaining dance numbers throughout their 10 movies together
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Wow. I LOVE Robbins. I think "Shirlene" is hilarious. I love the
way she tries to play up the sincerity and respect, yet she can't
wait to audition ("I'm gonna siiiiing -" Lol!). I also love Rogers'
reaction to her when she first meets her. Her facial expressions
are priceless. And I love "Fling", which is so charming. Plus, I'm
for anything that gave Astaire something different to do (like "How
Could You Believe Me?" from "Royal Wedding.").
No offesne intended, but when was the last time you watched "Barkleys?"
I watched it night before last, which is why my comments are so
detailed. Had forgotten how much I love this classy musical.
i last watched barkleys on saturday night, so that i think would be the same as you? i will agree rogers reaction to "shirleen" is fab and i also think its a shame we never get to actually hear the blues number. i think "fling" grows on one, but its my least favourite number of the picture
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Shirlene (after barging into the dressing room): "I should've knocked."
Dinah (putting on make-up): "Yes, you should've."
Lol!!!
Are you ready for this?? My least favorite number is "Shoes with Wings
on." I like it, but don't love it.
i did like that scene, and she didnt even apologise! well not to dinah anyway..
i know what ya mean with the 'shoes with wings on' number, i still dont get why the song was done as a voice over or why it was heralded as one as the greatest numbers in the picture, i did like it but its my second least fave number in barkleys.
How can you mention "A Weekend in the Country" and leave out the
sensational "Shoes with wings on" and "They Can't Take That Away From
Me???"
it was good. c'mon!
πSeason's Greetings!ππ
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Yeah! Glad you liked it ξΉ
I enjoyed The Barkleys of Broadway. Dance sequences like Bouncin' the Blues and They Can't Take That Away From Me were entertaining and highlighted the talents of Astaire and Rodgers. Their chemistry also emphasised the comedy, making The Barkleys of Broadway a joy to watch.
I'd rather be hated for who I am, than loved for who I am not.
This is a great musical, and an underrated entry in the Astaire-Rogers collection.
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