Dynamic Dancing Duo–The Appeal of Ginger Rogers and Fred Astaire
Few co-stars set the big screen on fire more than the likes of Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers. This was not always the case however, as it took RKO studios and a lackluster film at best to make these to entertainers come alive. In the year 1933, what was set to become an average film called Flying Down to Rio, co-starred this dynamic and energetic couple Astaire and Rogers. They were to be merely supporting cast in this film, yet somehow they managed to completely entice and mesmerize viewers into a form of delightful trance. The scene was the Carioca and it was where Astaire and Rogers were forehead to forehead doing a small dance number. This simple bit in the film translated into a major box office success for this film once believed to be mediocre.
Fred Astaire was so graceful. It was as if he were connected to the music. He led it and he interpreted it, and he made it look so effortless. He performed as though he were absolutely without gravity. This was neither the first time nor the last that Astaire did his part in musical movie history to capture the hearts of adoring fans worldwide. Combine this gentle flowing touch on the big screen with the likes of the ever eye catching Ginger Rogers, and there is a true recipe for movie success. The next endeavor that the studio partook in was to be just as appealing and entertaining. Keeping Astaire and Rogers together seemed like the right thing to do, given the success of the first film they co-starred in. in the year 1934 Astaire and Rogers co-starred in The Gay Divorcee. At the time the title was really not well accepted by the Hays office, as the term “divorced” was not meant to be happy or blissful. Nonetheless this film again was a hit, paving the way for the fine combo of Astaire and Rogers to light up the box office with continual musical hits.
Next in line for magnificent musicals was Top Hat, produced in the year 1935; this great movie only enhanced the fans view of this grand film couple and their true appeal to the masses. It was said that Rogers gave Astaire sex appeal, and Astaire gave Rogers class. What is rather amusing about this is that both of these fine performers had what it took to be all that and them some right from the start. They did not need to forcefully compliment each other, it just happened naturally. RKO studios were quickly learning that this pair, were the right formula for sheer dance entertainment. This allowed for many other films to be produced, with this match up of fine dancers, it was certain that RKO had in their hands the makings of a true dynasty for film. There was no denying that these to artists were irresistible and chocked full of charm and grace. The dancing that they did in each of their movies only lent to the proof that when you are good, everything seems to be effortless.
Following shortly behind in the year 1935 was Roberta. Sharing the spotlight this time, Astaire and Rogers made room for another very talented performer in Irene Dunne. Irene was a wonderful actress, and could easily carry her own while singing, too. She did for the record have a wonderful soprano singing voice, which did later on will her accolades. This film did have the prowess of Mr. Astaire, yet it was one of his close associates that did the choreography for the film. This was Hermes Pan who ensured that everything ran smoothly. Pan was also a very close friend of Astaire’s, and was a very talented person himself. Once this film finished being raved about, there were others alone the same success line. These films are as follows:
Follow The Fleet- 1936
Swing Time- 1936
Shall We Dance-1937
Carefree- 1938
What is very hard to understand by many fans of this dynamic duo is that their very seductive, sexy, charming relationship was nothing more than a work relationship. This dancing couple on the big screen did not in any way shape or form court outside of the workplace. Their relationship was very close indeed, yet nothing more than professional workplace practices.
