"SHALL WE DANCE"

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXIV, Issue 22865, 21 October 1937, Page 18

"SHALL WE DANCE"

MUSICAL FILM FOR CIVIC Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers are capable oi' giving an atmosphere to their films distinct from that found in any other type of picture, musical or otherwise; and this factor, which made such a great success of "The Gay Divorcee" and "Top Hat," is again prominent in their latest film, "Shall We Dance," which will commence a season at the Civic Theatre to-morrow. The picture, like tho earlier ones, has a brilliant polish, and is a well-balanced blend of dancing, music, comedy and spectacle. The story, which is stronger than that found in most musical films, forms a perfect vehicle for the two leading players. Fred Astaire is seen as an American-born ballet dancer who has won recognition only after assuming the name of Petroy. While in Paris, he falls in love with a popular revue artist, played by Ginger Rogers, much to tho annoyance of his manager, portrayed by Edward Everett Horton. He makes her acquaintance under amusing circumstances, and decides to follow her to America on the same liner. A report is spread by a certain publicity manager that they are secretly married, and, when seemingly unassailable evidence is brought forward, they enter into a marriage which they intend to dissolve at the earliest possible moment. In the course of tho story, dancing is deftly introduced, one item in particular being exceptionally clever and original. It i.s carried out in the engine-room of a great liner, and the mood of the dance seems to blend with the steel symphony of tho engines. v\n important role in "Shall Wo Dance" is taken by Harriet Hoetor, one of the greatest American ballerinas. In addition to the comedy provided by the two leading players, there is humour of a different but equally clever type in the performances of Eric Bloro and Edward Everett Horton. Blore is perfectly suited in the role of Cecil Flintridge, manager of a large New York hotel. Six songs were written by George and Ira Gershwiu, and several of them are already in popular demand.