The Sky's the Limit (1943)

Flying Tiger Fred Atwell sneaks away from his famous squadron's personal appearance tour and goes incognito for several days of leave. He quickly falls for photographer Joan Manion, ... See full summary »

Director:

Edward H. Griffith

Writers:

Frank Fenton (original screenplay), Lynn Root (original screenplay)

Stars:

Fred Astaire, Joan Leslie, Robert Benchley

Nominated for 2 Oscars.

Cast

Complete credited cast:
Fred Astaire	...	Fred Atwell aka Fred Burton
Joan Leslie	...	Joan Manion
Robert Benchley	...	Phil Harriman
Robert Ryan	...	Reginald Fenton
Elizabeth Patterson	...	Mrs. Fisher
Marjorie Gateson	...	Canteen Hostess
Freddie Slack	...	Freddie Slack - Leader of His Orchestra
Freddie Slack and His Orchestra	...	Freddie Slack's Orchestra

Storyline

Flying Tiger Fred Atwell sneaks away from his famous squadron's personal appearance tour and goes incognito for several days of leave. He quickly falls for photographer Joan Manion, pursuing her in the guise of a carefree drifter.

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Plot Keywords:

photographer | flying tiger | reference to ginger rogers | magazine | assumed identity | 

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Taglines:

Here's a thrill, new and gay! It's a dance filled holiday!

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Genres:

Comedy | Musical | Romance | War

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Certificate:

Approved

Did You Know?

Trivia

In order to acquire the services of Joan Leslie for this film and John Garfield for The Fallen Sparrow (1943) RKO gave the remake rights of The Animal Kingdom (1932) and Of Human Bondage (1934) to Warner Bros.

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Goofs

When Fred's escort in the parade shows him to the door at the hotel, she turns as the hotel room doors open. The next frame, they are back together in their original positions before the door opened. This is supported by the later photo of them that Robert Benchley shows Fred at the bar after creating the Flying Tiger drink.

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Quotes

Joan Manion: You know, purely in a sociological way, you interest me. A little.
Fred Atwell: Well, it's a beginning, isn't it?
Joan Manion: Don't get me wrong! What interests me is this passion you seem to have for having your picture taken.
Fred Atwell: Let's talk it over.
[to bartender]
Fred Atwell: I'll have the same, please.
Joan Manion: You know, I'm supposed to be taking pictures of celebrities.
Fred Atwell: Couldn't I be the fellow who never gets his name mentioned? The one they call 'a friend'? You know: 'Ginger Rogers - and friend.'

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Connections

Referenced in The Skin (1981)

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Soundtracks

Cuban Sugar Mill
(uncredited)
Written by Freddie Slack
Danced by Fred Astaire

User Reviews

Definitely a gem!

I love this movie. Great, funny dance routines and a nice, light plotline which somehow keeps you smiling all the way through. Great songs by Johnny Mercer like "Shining Hour" and "I've Got a Lot in Common With You!" Joan Leslie and Fred Astaire have a great chemistry and their dances hold dramatic interest as well. Great writing, with a nice performance by Robert Benchley.

Definitely one of Astaire's best. But consider that I hate all his dances with Cyd Charisse. Joan Leslie is funny and cute and keeps Fred smiling. She keeps up with Fred nicely in the dance routines which are nice and light for the most part. Best dance routine is "I've Got A Lot In Common With You!" The songs have those great Johnny Mercer lyrics.. Definitely a winner!

Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

13 July 1943 (USA)

Also Known As:

Lookout Below

Filming Locations:

RKO Studios - 780 N. Gower Street, Hollywood, Los Angeles, California, USA

Company Credits

Production Co:

RKO Radio Pictures

Technical Specs

Runtime:

89 min

Sound Mix:

Mono (RCA Sound System)

Color:

Black and White

Aspect Ratio:

1.37 : 1