Fred and Ginger

Book excerpt: The partnership between Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers, which was born and reached its peak in the Hollywood musical of the 1930s, is one of the most enduringly popular ever to have graced the cinema screen. This important new study explores the series of seven films - from "The Gay Divorcee " in 1934 to "Carefree" in 1938 - that represent the quintessential 'Fred and Ginger'. Astaire and Rogers are most renowned for their peerless dance duets, but these constitute only a small proportion of the time they appeared on screen together. Their skills as performers and their remarkable rapport are equally apparent in their acting and singing, and in Fred and Ginger Hannah Hyam analyses all three aspects of their partnership in depth, illuminating the qualities that give it such timeless appeal. Distinguishing the seven 'Fred and Ginger' films from the three others that Astaire and Rogers made together, the book defines their characteristic features and assesses their relative merits, before going on to examine in detail the romantic partnership between Fred and Ginger as pursued in dialogue, song and dance throughout the series. Generously illustrated with choice black and white stills, Fred and Ginger will be welcomed not only by Astaire-Rogers enthusiasts and students of the genre but by all lovers of film and of true artistry in music and dance.