The plots in most of the films, during their Heyday of the 1930s, are very similar to each other:
(A) they meet and Astaire falls in love; (B) after some persistence on Astaire’s part, Rogers falls in love; (C) a complication arises that drives them Apart; and (D) they are reconciled to live Happily Ever After.
Now, this is the plot structure of a good many romantic comedies, and we see it employed (again) in the Rogers-Astaire Swing Time (1936).
Astaire plays a gambler who must raise $25,000 in order to marry his fiancé (Betty Furness), a price established by his prospective father-in-law. Therefore, Astaire hops on a train to NYC (where else?) to find Fame and Fortune, and meets Rogers, a dance school instructor.
Swing Time is a measured comedy of win and lose, following the ups and downs of love and Chance. For example, Astaire wins $200 in a craps game, but friends appropriate it. His friend (Victor Moore) wins him a tuxedo, but Astaire loses the pants in a card game.
In his biggest – and most unlikely – gamble, Astaire bets his casino winnings against a band leader’s contract, and ends up winning a nightclub. But this, too, is only temporary.
What is not temporary is his love for Rogers, which is explored through the film’s dance sequences.
Included in our 2003 DVD version of Swing Time is a bonus featured entitled The Swing of Things: Swing Time Step by Step, an examination of the Rogers and Astaire dance numbers by Broadway choreographers and performers.
The choreographers agree that Fred Astaire was not “just” a dancer. He was a storyteller who used his body as an instrument. The dances themselves reveal the characters’ emotions.
Choreographer Melissa Ray Mahon explains the unique step used in Swing Time: “Fred created a signature step that he performs every time he dances with Ginger,” she says. “But he did it three different ways to illustrate their developing relationship.”
The first time this step is used is shortly after Rogers and Astaire meet, when Astaire pretends to enrol at the dance school where Rogers works. This is the “Pick Yourself Up” number:
“In ‘Pick Yourself Up’ [Astaire] created a… ‘Get to Know You Step’,” explains choreographer Jeffrey Denman, which he calls a combination of tapping and ballroom dancing.
But it’s more than that. The step chronicles the story of two people falling in love, as shown by the next dance, “Swing Time”:
Here Rogers and Astaire are falling in love. “This is a celebration,” says Mahon. “It’s romantic and spontaneous.”
She explains the step “is modified for ¾ time and is performed with much more abandon.”
A number of the choreographers in Step by Step call this dance “surprising” and not typical of Hollywood choreography. It’s an homage to swing as a popular dance form*.
The last number with this step is “Never Gonna Dance”, when the couple breaks up. They’re Finished, but they’re still in love. This is a dance of longing and heartbreak.
“Notice how the choreography has a more desperate abandon,” says Denman, “before they return once more to the signature step.”
“Never Gonna Dance” was an arduous shoot. Rogers’s feet reportedly bled through her shoes, and it wasn’t until 10:00 pm that filming finally ended, to cheers from the crew.
Of Rogers and Astaire, Roger Ebert wrote: “[W]hat Fred and Ginger had together, and what no other team has ever had in the same way, was a joy of performance. They were so good, and they knew they were so good, that they danced in celebration of their gifts.”¹
Swing Time is that kind of celebration, of dance, love, and good (or bad) fortune. There’s lots of laughter from the characters, and from us, too, in the audience.
This film ranks 90th on AFI’s list of 100 Greatest American Films Of All Time. We hope you’ll treat yourself to what many consider to be the seminal Rogers and Astaire film.
Notes
*The term “swing” originally referred to the style of jazz music that was popular from the 1920s-1940s.
¹Ebert, Roger. (2002) The Great Movies. New York, NY: Broadway Books, p. 446.
Swing Time: starring Fred Astaire, Ginger Rogers, Victor Moore. Directed by George Stevens. Written by Howard Lindsay & Allan Scott. RKO Radio Pictures, 1936, B&W, 103 mins.
Hi Ruth. I’m not too familiar with the movies they made together. But I’m a big fan of some movies that Fred made sans Ginger, especially The Band Wagon.
My dad used to watch all Fred Astaire and Gene Kelly’s musical movies when I was a little girl and since then I’m very fond of musicals. Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers made the perfect dancing couple, they were magnificent dancing together! I particularly adore the fabulous evening dresses Ginger Rogers used to wear. Not sure if I actually watched Swing Time though.
“Chance is the foolish name for fate.” When you mentioned “Chance” in your article, my mind naturally went to that line.
Thank you for the angle in your piece, Swing time through the relationship in dance. It may have been something I reacted to subliminally but it was never articulated. Fred and Ginger are the types of communicative performers who manipulate our reactions.
Agreed. Like you, I reacted to their dances subliminally, but wasn’t able to say exactly why. Funny thing is, watching the analyses by the Broadway choreographers doesn’t diminish any of the magic. It was something inherent that only Fred & Ginger had.
I defy anybody not to be captivated by Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers movies. The music, the dancing, the tempo, the movement and sway. To me, there collaborations were pure films, that make you want to dance, sing and be joyful.
How I love to watch these two dance. I don’t think I’ve ever sat through an entire movie, but instead just watch their dance scenes. They were both impeccable. I agree – their dancing told a story, and changed throughout the movie. Thanks for highlighting this talented couple.
They’re a mesmerizing pair, aren’t they? Fred was talented, to be sure, and he seemed to dance well with anyone, but the dances with Ginger are in a league all their own.
Just as well, I’m sure Frank and Fred would have too… they so should have had a TV Comedy series where everyone thinks Fred is Frank and Frank is Fred, cue hilarious situations..
Wonderful write-up, Ruth! “Never Gonna Dance” is my favorite Astaire-Rogers dance. It makes me tear up every single time. The way those two never stopped embodying their characters while dancing is just sublime. I know some people complain about how formulaic their films are, but I’ve never had a problem with that — I mean, it’s Astaire and Rogers!
Thanks, Michaela! I don’t have a problem with formulaic movies, not one bit, especially when it’s Fred and Ginger. They’re always worth the price of admission.
Thanks! The great thing about analyzing Fred and Ginger is that the scrutiny doesn’t diminish their work, or take away the magic. It enhances them, I think.
A key part of the Astaire-Rogers musicals is the comedy provided by supporting characters. I miss Edward Everett Horton in SWING TIME, but Eric Blore is still there is to carry on the tradition. Incidentally, “The Way You Look Tonight” is one of my favorite songs from any Fred & Ginger movie!
Wow, that’s so interesting! This documentary certainly adds layers to the film, and now I’m sure that I’ll have to watch all Fred Astaire films twice: once to pay attention to the plot, and another time just to focus on Fred’s steps!
Kisses!
That plot sounds exactly like what happens in Bridgerton (and by extension, most Regency period novels). They all have one thing in common–how happy they make us!
Ha! Yes, they do make us. Speaking if Regency eras, my fave husband gave me a gorgeous hardcover set of Jane Austen novels. Whee! (Is she of the regency era?)
While I admire the work of this pair together, no one shows the true exuberance of swing and jazz dancing like Josephine Baker for me…she’s ever a delight to watch. Wishing you a joyous and healthy new year!
Silver Screenings 
Hi Ruth. I’m not too familiar with the movies they made together. But I’m a big fan of some movies that Fred made sans Ginger, especially The Band Wagon.
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You know, I still haven’t seen that one, and not sure why. But if you like it, I think I will too.
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Wow. Just wow. Ok, add this one to my list too, please. I haven’t seen nearly enough of their movies. Thank you for this!
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This is a good one. Lots of laughs – and some beautiful dancing too.
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My dad used to watch all Fred Astaire and Gene Kelly’s musical movies when I was a little girl and since then I’m very fond of musicals. Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers made the perfect dancing couple, they were magnificent dancing together! I particularly adore the fabulous evening dresses Ginger Rogers used to wear. Not sure if I actually watched Swing Time though.
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Weren’t Ginger Rogers’s gowns gorgeous? They’re like works of art.
As for Fred & Ginger, you said it. They were the perfect dance couple indeed. It’s sheer joy to watch them.
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Those gowns were to die for, I wish I could try all them on! I love the classic Hollywood glamour, so timeless and stylish.
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You said it! And influential, even with today’s formal gowns, would you say?
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Absolutely! Classic Hollywood glamour is an endless source of inspiration for beauty and style.
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“Chance is the foolish name for fate.” When you mentioned “Chance” in your article, my mind naturally went to that line.
Thank you for the angle in your piece, Swing time through the relationship in dance. It may have been something I reacted to subliminally but it was never articulated. Fred and Ginger are the types of communicative performers who manipulate our reactions.
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Agreed. Like you, I reacted to their dances subliminally, but wasn’t able to say exactly why. Funny thing is, watching the analyses by the Broadway choreographers doesn’t diminish any of the magic. It was something inherent that only Fred & Ginger had.
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I defy anybody not to be captivated by Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers movies. The music, the dancing, the tempo, the movement and sway. To me, there collaborations were pure films, that make you want to dance, sing and be joyful.
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Brilliant! I like your term re: pure films that make you want to dance and be joyful. They certainly (still) are.
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How I love to watch these two dance. I don’t think I’ve ever sat through an entire movie, but instead just watch their dance scenes. They were both impeccable. I agree – their dancing told a story, and changed throughout the movie. Thanks for highlighting this talented couple.
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They’re a mesmerizing pair, aren’t they? Fred was talented, to be sure, and he seemed to dance well with anyone, but the dances with Ginger are in a league all their own.
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Love this post and you make me smile as always Ruth. I now will be checking out these Sinatra signature steps in The Towering Inferno…
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Time to watch the Towering Inferno again. It has a pretty high cheese factor, but still very entertaining – and a terrific cast.
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Definitely, love to read your analysis of Astaire’s moves in this.. not Sinatra! (just noticed that glaring error)..
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Haha! I knew what you meant.
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Just as well, I’m sure Frank and Fred would have too… they so should have had a TV Comedy series where everyone thinks Fred is Frank and Frank is Fred, cue hilarious situations..
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Bahaha! I LOVE that idea.
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Wonderful write-up, Ruth! “Never Gonna Dance” is my favorite Astaire-Rogers dance. It makes me tear up every single time. The way those two never stopped embodying their characters while dancing is just sublime. I know some people complain about how formulaic their films are, but I’ve never had a problem with that — I mean, it’s Astaire and Rogers!
Thanks for contributing to the blogathon!
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Thanks, Michaela! I don’t have a problem with formulaic movies, not one bit, especially when it’s Fred and Ginger. They’re always worth the price of admission.
Thanks for hosting this great event! 🙂
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I have never seen a whole movie with Rogers and Astaire, just some clips of their dance numbers, hope that’s enough…
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Of course it’s enough. 🙂 But I hope you can enjoy an entire film sometime – you’ll be in for a real treat.
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Thanks for this lovely look at SWING TIME, a great example of their artistry. They were such fun to watch, and so captivating. Great analysis.
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Thanks! The great thing about analyzing Fred and Ginger is that the scrutiny doesn’t diminish their work, or take away the magic. It enhances them, I think.
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A key part of the Astaire-Rogers musicals is the comedy provided by supporting characters. I miss Edward Everett Horton in SWING TIME, but Eric Blore is still there is to carry on the tradition. Incidentally, “The Way You Look Tonight” is one of my favorite songs from any Fred & Ginger movie!
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I hear you. Swing Time would be ultra perfect if Edward E. Horton were there.
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They were really great together. I’ll need to rewatch this one! It’s been a while 🙂
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You said it! It’s always time for a Fred & Ginger re-watch, isnt it?
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Wow, that’s so interesting! This documentary certainly adds layers to the film, and now I’m sure that I’ll have to watch all Fred Astaire films twice: once to pay attention to the plot, and another time just to focus on Fred’s steps!
Kisses!
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I was thinking the same thing! 🙂
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A perfect pair! Thanks for the memories!
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They are a perfect pair, like you said.
Happy New Year!
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That plot sounds exactly like what happens in Bridgerton (and by extension, most Regency period novels). They all have one thing in common–how happy they make us!
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Ha! Yes, they do make us. Speaking if Regency eras, my fave husband gave me a gorgeous hardcover set of Jane Austen novels. Whee! (Is she of the regency era?)
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Yes, definitely!
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While I admire the work of this pair together, no one shows the true exuberance of swing and jazz dancing like Josephine Baker for me…she’s ever a delight to watch. Wishing you a joyous and healthy new year!
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Oh yeah, Josephine was sublime, wasn’t she?
Best New Year’s wishes to you! 🙂
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I think this film and the “Barkleys of Broadway” are my favorite Astair-Rogers movies. It’s just pure magic.
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Ah, I’ve never seen The Barkleys of Broadway and am not sure why. Maybe for next year’s blogathon!
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Ooh, it’s fun. And Ginger wears this really cool gold bubble hem dress in the opening credits.
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