OUTSTANDING FILM

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXIII, Issue 22318, 16 January 1936, Page 12

OUTSTANDING FILM

"TOP. HAT" FOR CIVIC What may be described as a triumph for the extremely popular singing and dancing team of Ginger ltogers and Fred Astaire, "Top Hat," will commence a season at the Civic Theatre to-morrow. "Flying Down to Rio," "The Gay Divorcee" and "Roberta" were all entertaining filing, but the claim is made that they are eclipsed by x "Top Hat." In this picture a verv high plane in singing and dancing is reached and Astaire and Miss Rogers will delight not only with their individual excellence, but with their very skilful team-work. The story is slight, but from the opening scene, where Astaire makes his departure from the staid Thackeray Club in a burst of tapdancing, the central theme is enriched with first-class comedy, dialogue, singing and settings. Twinkling feet dancing the most intricate steps givo the film a bright introduction which sends it away with a swing, and thereafter como a number of songs of instant appeal, "No Strings," "Top Hat," "Isn't This a Lovely Day," "Check to Cheek" and "Piccolino." Each number has its own distinctive melody—tho work of Irving Berlin. The dialogue leaves an audience with few chances to be serious. Astaire and Miss Rogers crossing swords .and both turning their full range on to Edward Everett Horton, who, as an extremely subdued husband, makes a perfect mark for their sallies. The settings for the many dancing pieces rival those in "Tho Gay Divorcee" and Miss Rogers' gowns aro novel and attractive. The cast of "The Gay Divorcee" proved so well varied and suited to this type of entertainment that it has been preserved 6ave for the omission of Alice Brady Horton's first-class comedy is rivalled only by that of his hclp-mat-e, Helen Broderick, and Eric Blore, tho butler with Erik Rhodes raises many a laugh There is not a dull moment throughout the film, which should be an outstanding success.