Fred and Ginger dance – that pretty much sums it up. The plot, the standard 'mistaken identity' shtick, allows the stars to meet cute and the supporting team to provide comic relief but is really just an excuse to string together a number of great musical numbers, including the iconic "Dancing cheek to cheek" (feathers and all). Edward Everett Horton is great as Astaire's buddy and mistaken alter-ego (I can't hear his voice without thinking about "Fractured Fairy Tales"), as is Helen Broderick, who plays his flippant wife. This is a film full of tuxedos and gowns, spontaneous yet fully orchestrated singing, extravagant sets, improbable situations, silly but endearing double takes, and Astaire's classic mix of graceful, athletic dancing. "Top Hat" is all romantic fantasy with not a hint of intruding reality and as such, it's perfect way to pass a couple of hours.

How does one not fall in love with Fred Astaire after watching Top Hat? That's actually a serious question because I found, not just his character, but his mannerisms and the personality that he added to his characterization absolutely endearing. Mark Sandrich directed the well-known duo Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers in his 1935 feature, Top Hat. In this pairing, Astaire plays a dancer who, while staying at the hotel of his producer, begins practicing and disturbs the guest staying below. A romance that begins as an annoyance is the premise of Sandrich's film which is easy for the audience to sink their teeth into given the wonderful pairing of Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers. Topped with the fantastic dancing and beautiful chemistry of the duo, Top Hat is a standout in the brilliant filmography of Fred Astaire.While visiting his producer Horace Hardwick (Edward Everett Horton) in London dancer Jerry Travers (Fred Astaire) Jerry decides to stay overnight at the hotel with Horace. Jerry is anxiously looking forward to his next show and has a lot of energy to work off and can't keep himself from dancing in the hotel room despite the hour. His tapping disturbs Dale Tremont (Ginger Rogers) the guest staying below Horace's room. Dale decides to go upstairs and confront the noisemaker and meets Jerry. There is a spark of attraction between the two and they begin to flirt. The next morning, after a confusion, Dale mistakes Jerry for his married producer, becoming disgusted by his flirtation the previous evening. Later that day, however, Dale learns that Horace is married to her friend Madge Hardwick (Helen Broderick) which further confuses the situation. Hijinks and complications ensue, creating a delightful slapstick comedy, and one of the most well-known dancing numbers in cinema history, for the ages.All through Top Hat, I was mesmerized by the subtle grace and charm of Fred Astaire. His essence is so captivating, combining strong masculinity with a boyhood innocence, Astaire is an enchanting presence that dances right off the screen. Screwball comedies are fun, even without an absolute angel filling the screen with his graceful movements, Top Hat is no exception. Ginger Rogers is wonderful, I'm sure, but as I've mentioned before, I struggle to notice anything else when Fred Astaire is on screen. Astaire is so incredibly dreamy, I am so saddened that I'm just now formally "meeting" him. As more than a passing fan of cinema, I should have been in on the Astaire v. Kelly debate long before now, but better late than never, I suppose. Another wonderful journey with Fred Astaire, it's no wonder that Top Hat has persisted throughout the 80+ years since its debut.

If you are fan of comedy, but tired of vulgar humor we see on big screen these days, tired of retarded grimaces like Jim Carrey's or laughing to other peoples misfortune, take a look on comedies from first half of 20th century. Nowadays comedies are nowhere close to their level in any possible way. Fred Aster and beautiful Ginger Rogers in romantic comedy of mistaken identity. Of course, when you see Aster in leading role it is obvious that it is musical. But even if you do not like musicals, and I certainly do not, amount of hilarious misunderstandings and twists and the way this movie will cause roars of benevolent laughter and improves mood even on depressive rainy days will be more than enough for you to disregard your bigotry towards musicals and even boring scenes of dancing and singing will pass you by unnoticed. And they are not boring at all, believe me, cause chemistry between Fred and Ginger is magical.

Dancer Fred Astaire and model Ginger Rogers meet and immediately fall in love. But when Ginger mistakenly believes Fred is married to her friend, she wants nothing more to do with him. Okay, not the most original plot you'll ever see. Mistaken identity plots were pretty common then (and still show up today). But it's handled well and never feels contrived. This is my favorite Fred & Ginger movie. Both are in top form with wonderful timing and chemistry. Great comedic support from Edward Everett Horton, Eric Blore, Helen Broderick, and a scene-stealing Erik Rhodes ("Never again will I allow women to wear my dresses!"). Songs include the classic "Cheek to Cheek" and the underrated "The Piccolino." The dance numbers are exceptional. Ginger's beautiful, even in that feather dress that Fred Astaire hated so much. Everything works in this one. The comedy, the romance, the songs, the dancing -- it's all perfect.