Hindsight

Day 16

Classic Kids:  Or, films the kids in your life must see before they are 13 or else!

Top Hat

 I know, Fred Astaire was in yesterday’s post, but come on, it’s Fred ASTAIRE with Ginger!  I love this movie, and I hope the kid(s) in your life will too.  Not only is there beautiful dancing, and great Irving Berlin tunes, but the script is hilarious.  From beginning to end this is a fantastic film, truly one of the best Hollywood ever made. 

There are some impressive character actors here:  Edward Everett Horton as Horace, Erik Rhodes as Bates, and Helen Broderick as Madge.  Look for Lucille Ball as a flower shop clerk and also in the background for the big Cheek to Cheek number.

Enjoy!

Themes:  Art Deco, fashion, identity, role playing, music and dancing

Media literacy Questions:  What marks this film as a Hollywood production of the middle 1930s?   How and why do the sets and costumes stand out in this Movie?  Are some characters funnier than others? If so why and How?  What Genre is Top Hat?  What makes Fred and Ginger such a good team?