June 19, 2022

My late Mum used to have an LP by British artist Peter Skellern, melodiously singing some of the magnificent songs from the Astaire/Rogers musicals - and it has stayed with me ever since. This is probably my favourite - the dancing is delicate and stylish; the chemistry between Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers is electric; and although the plot itself leaves a great deal to be desired; it's not about the story - it's about the people and Irving Ber… read the rest.

My late Mum used to have an LP by British artist Peter Skellern, melodiously singing some of the magnificent songs from the Astaire/Rogers musicals - and it has stayed with me ever since. This is probably my favourite - the dancing is delicate and stylish; the chemistry between Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers is electric; and although the plot itself leaves a great deal to be desired; it's not about the story - it's about the people and Irving Berlin's wonderful suite of songs - "Isn't it a lovely day?"; "Top hat, White Tie & Tails"; "Cheek to Cheek". To be critical, for a moment, neither are really very good actors, or singers - but when pitched together they more than compensate with a generous dose of elegant chic! Eric Blore is also rather good as the really supercilious "Bates" - the kind of butler everyone ought to have, but nobody would actually want!

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