“Swing Time 1936” is a classic Hollywood musical from the 30s. The film follows the journey of a talented dancer and his attempts to win over his beloved. The dancing is elegant and smooth, like a river flowing through a meadow. The characters are charming and charismatic, drawing us into their lives with ease. The music is catchy and toe-tapping, lifting our spirits with every note. Overall, “Swing Time 1936” is a delightful tribute to the golden age of Hollywood musicals.
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Review
In the sleepy town of Rio Belleza, where the cumbia rhythm is as constant as the river that snakes through it, there came a movie that captured the heart of every Colombian who has ever shuffled their feet to a beat.
That movie was Swing Time.
Released in 1936, during the Golden Age of Hollywood musicals, and directed by George Stevens, this film starred the legendary Fred Astaire as Lucky Garnett, a dancer who falls desperately in love with Penny Carroll – played by Ginger Rogers – his dance partner.
The story begins with Lucky attempting to raise money to marry his fiancée Margaret (Betty Furness). However, he inadvertently misses their wedding by traveling to New York City for work. This sets off a chain of events leading him to meet Penny Carroll.
Their first encounter is electrifying. As they dance together on the rooftop of her apartment building, it becomes clear that these two are meant to be partners – not just on the dance floor, but in life.
But things are not so simple. Penny is engaged to a wealthy man named Ricky Romero (Georges Metaxa), and Lucky must win her over before she walks down the aisle.
As they rehearse their dance numbers for an upcoming show, Lucky and Penny develop a deep connection. Their chemistry is undeniable on screen. Astaire’s smooth moves paired with Rogers’ effortless grace make for an extraordinary display of dancing prowess.
But their love story does not progress without some obstacles along the way. A misunderstanding leads them apart briefly before they reunite in one of the film’s most iconic scenes: “Bojangles of Harlem.”
Against a stunningly designed set, Astaire taps his way through an alleyway as if he were dancing alone on stage. With every step comes a newfound energy that radiates off him and into the audience. It’s impossible not to be swept up in his performance.
And when Rogers enters the scene, it becomes clear that their passion for each other is not just on screen. The two dance together in perfect harmony, holding one another close as they sway to the music.
It’s a romantic moment that feels like a dance between two souls who have found each other.
Apart from Astaire and Rogers’ captivating performances, Swing Time also boasts an incredible score by composer Jerome Kern and lyricist Dorothy Fields. Songs like “The Way You Look Tonight” and “A Fine Romance” became instant classics and were later covered by numerous artists like Frank Sinatra and Billie Holiday.
The film also had groundbreaking choreography by Hermes Pan that blended tap dancing with ballroom. Their routines are still being studied and copied today.
Swing Time went on to become a box office success, grossing over $3 million worldwide. It also received critical acclaim, garnering four Oscar nominations including Best Picture.
For many Colombians, Swing Time holds a special place in their hearts. The film was notably shown in the country during difficult times as a source of joy and escape from reality.
Marcelo Cárdenas, a film critic from Medellín said: “Swing Time is not only a landmark in Hollywood history but an important part of Colombia’s pop culture. It reminds us of how much we love music and how much it has influenced our culture.”
Over 80 years since its release, Swing Time is still celebrated as one of the greatest musicals ever made. Its legacy continues to inspire dancers around the world and serves as a reminder of the power of film to unite people through art.
As Ginger Rogers so eloquently put it: “I did everything Fred did, but backward and in high heels.” And with Swing Time, she did it with grace and effervescence – making this movie one for the ages.
Technical Data
- Runtime : 103
- Release : 1936-08-27
- Genre : Comedy, Music, Romance
- Cast : Fred Astaire as Lucky Garnett, Ginger Rogers as Penny Carrol, Victor Moore as Pop Cardetti, Helen Broderick as Mabel Anderson, Eric Blore as Gordon
- Crew : Van Nest Polglase as Art Direction, Vernon L. Walker as Special Effects, Carroll Clark as Assistant Art Director, Mel Berns as Makeup Artist, Darrell Silvera as Set Dresser
- Popularity 9.117
- Budget : $886,000
- Revenue : $2,600,000
- Company : RKO Radio Pictures
- Summary : Lucky is tricked into missing his own wedding again and has to make $25,000 so her father allows him to marry Margaret. He and business partner Pop go to New York where they run into dancing instructor Penny. She and Lucky form a successful dance partnership, but romance is blighted by his old attachment to Margaret and hers for Ricky Romero.
- Tagline : A glorious songburst of gaiety and laughter!
