Top Hat (1935)

An American dancer comes to Britain and falls for a model whom he initially annoyed, but she mistakes him for his goofy producer.

Director:

Mark Sandrich

Writers:

Dwight Taylor (screen play), Allan Scott (screen play)

Stars:

Fred Astaire, Ginger Rogers, Edward Everett Horton

Nominated for 4 Oscars. Another 2 wins & 2 nominations.

Cast

Complete credited cast:
Fred Astaire	...	Jerry Travers
Ginger Rogers	...	Dale Tremont
Edward Everett Horton	...	Horace Hardwick
Erik Rhodes	...	Alberto Beddini
Eric Blore	...	Bates
Helen Broderick	...	Madge Hardwick

Storyline

Showman Jerry Travers is working for producer Horace Hardwick in London. Jerry demonstrates his new dance steps late one night in Horace's hotel, much to the annoyance of sleeping Dale Tremont below. She goes upstairs to complain and the two are immediately attracted to each other. Complications arise when Dale mistakes Jerry for Horace.

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Plot Keywords:

mistaken identity | tap dancing | based on play | flirting | marriage | 

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Taglines:

See them dance the sensational Piccolino!

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Genres:

Comedy | Musical | Romance

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Certificate:

Not Rated

Did You Know?

Trivia

In this film and throughout his career, Fred Astaire insisted on keeping the camera at eye level with few changes in angles to focus attention on the dance rather than on camera technique. The dances were rarely broken up into segments that could be filmed in small bits at a time; as a result, multiple takes became arduous affairs that often lasted well into the night.

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Goofs

The opening scenes shows Fred already seated in the lounge of the club. No gentlemen's club, at least a London club, to this day allows guests to be seated in the lounge before their sponsor arrives and vouches for them.

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Quotes

Madge Hardwick: My dear, when you're as old as I am, you take your men as you find them - if you can find them.

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Connections

Referenced in A.I. Artificial Intelligence (2001)

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Soundtracks

The Piccolino
(1935) (uncredited)
Words and Music by Irving Berlin
In the score during the opening credits
Song performed by Ginger Rogers and Chorus
Dance performed by Fred Astaire, Ginger Rogers, and Chorus

User Reviews

Flying down to Venice

"Top Hat" is one of the best films Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers made together. Jay Sandrich, the director of most of their films knew what to bring to the story to make it perfect. It also helps the genial Irving Berlin was on hand to write some of his most beautiful songs to be sung in Fred Astaire's usual impeccable style. The sets were designed by Van Nest Polglase, who is equally at home showing Manhattan interiors as well as the Venetian fantasy sets.

Much has been said in this forum about the film, so we'll only add that Fred Astaire's Jerry was one of his best creations. Ginger Rogers as Dale Tremont, the high fashion model, shows an exquisite figure and is fine in keeping pace with Fred Astaire's dancing "cheek to cheek". The other best thing about "Top Hat" are: Edward Everett Horton, Helen Broderick, and Eric Blore. These three character actors are at their finest in the film. They make everything work because they are always there to lend a hand for the stars to shine without being on the way.

"Top Hat" is a happy film that keeps delighting viewers any time one is lucky enough to fall under its spell.

Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English Italian

Release Date:

6 September 1935 (USA)

Also Known As:

The World by the Tail

Filming Locations:

Paramount Studios - 5555 Melrose Avenue, Hollywood, Los Angeles, California, USA

Box Office

Budget:

$609,000 (estimated)

Cumulative Worldwide Gross:

$5,541

Company Credits

Production Co:

RKO Radio Pictures

Technical Specs

Runtime:

101 min 81 min (re-release) (re-edited)

Sound Mix:

Mono (RCA Victor System)

Color:

Black and White

Aspect Ratio:

1.37 : 1