Top Hat

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!