MARK SANDRICH

Bil’s rating (out of 5): BBBB. 

USA, 1935.  RKO Radio Pictures.  Story by Dwight Taylor, Screenplay by Dwight Taylor, Allan Scott.  Cinematography by David Abel.  Produced by Pandro S. Berman.  Production Design by Van Nest Polglase.  Costume Design by Bernard Newman.  Film Editing by William Hamilton. 

This one is regarded by many as the best of the Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers musicals (I like Swing Time better), probably because it epitomizes the art-deco sets and classic dance numbers that we love their movies for the most. The dynamic duo dance “Cheek to Cheek” as two performers who happen upon each other by accident in a hotel in the middle of the night and are immediately attracted to the prospect of a new dancing partner. After that, the fun never stops!

Academy Award Nominations:  Best Picture; Best Art Direction; Best Song (“Cheek To Cheek”); Best Dance Direction (“Piccolino”, “Top Hat, White Tie and Tails”)