Top Hat (1935)

 Mark Sandrich's "Top Hot"


One of the most successful dancing duos in Hollywood history is without a doubt Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers. They made nine films together at RKO pictures in the 1930s. Their most successful film was 1935's "Top Hat." Although their later film "Swing Time" is considered by many to have better dance sequences, "Top Hat" still reigns supreme as the top of the pack.

Going into "Top Hat," I felt that the primary selling point of the film would be the incredible dancing sequences. And while there are many fine dances, I felt myself being more enthralled by the plot revolving a case of mistaken identity. Ginger Rogers' Dale believes that the married Horace Hardwick is who is attempting to court her, while all the time it is actually Fred Astaire's Jerry. The screenplay written by Allan Scott and Dwight Taylor manages to stretch this case of mistaken identity for as long as they can. As it continues, I felt myself growing more and more giddy over the scene in which the surprising truth would be revealed to all the characters. I was awaiting this sense of catharsis. In this way, the film was reminding me of Quentin Tarantino's theory of stretching suspense until is becomes untenable. I felt this tension fervently and was utter transfixed by the anticipation. I felt that the film could really pull something off it managed to land this climax. However, the primary revelation happens off-screen and I felt myself being utterly disappointed. The grand opportunity the film had to release this tension was wasted.

Despite the potentiality of such a great film being squandered, the film is still a relatively entertaining affair. I do understand why the film is considered one of the greatest musicals of its time. In fact, I wouldn't disagree with that just yet. I consider it far more interesting and entertaining than the likes of "The Broadway Melody," "42nd Street" or "Gold Diggers of 1933." I still have not yet seen "Swing Time," so there may be a case to be made still. But, all in all, despite the lackluster ending, the great dancing in the beginning and the suspenseful intrigue in the middle made for a fantastic 2/3 of a film. 



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