Rating of
3/4
Top Hat review
Daniel Corleone - wrote on 06/09/13
Jerry Travers (Fred Astaire) shows some dance steps to Horace Hardwick (Edward Everett Horton). In effect, the lady below the room namely Dale Tremont (Ginger Rogers) complains to the manager and approaches the person responsible for the raucous. The plot when Dale mistakes Jerry for Horace, who is married to the wise and charming Madge (Helen Broderick). The soundtrack and choregraphy is a given, which was exceptional. The screenplay was intellectual with lines: "All is fair in love and war, and this is revolution!" and "In dealing with a girl or horse, one just lets nature take its course." from Jerry and "My dear, when you're as old as I am, you take your men as you find them if you can find them." from Madge. This critic feels the scene stealer was Helen Broderick, whose convincing performance and likable character just brings smartness and charm to the film. The intricate plot felt scripted though since it was baffling to discover how somebody can tapdance and be heard in another room and it was such a swanky hotel. Top Hat exhibits lessons on men/women's differences, mistaken identity, and love. Still not as funny/entertaining as Singin in the Rain, it was still humorous enough coupled with the premise of the picture that keeps you glued.
