Broadway Melody of 1940

Hoofers Johnny Brett and King Shaw have been trying to make it in New York. Befuddled producer Bob Casey wants a new partner for star Clare Bennett, but Brett thinks the caller is a bill collector and in a panic says that he is King Shaw. Because of this casting mixup, the wrong man gets a major role in a Broadway show. It looks as if Johnny, who deserves the part and who is falling for Clare while she is also falling for him, has lost his shot at stardom. Then King, the new leading man, gets drunk on opening night and someone else has to take his place... Includes numerous dance routines and Cole Porter songs, with the classic "Begin the Beguine."

STARS: Fred Astaire, Eleanor Powell, George Murphy

102 min | Musical | 1940 | Color

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The best Astaire routine ever ever ever ever etc etc
I have given this film 10 stars for one reason and one reason only. The story line was weak and the acting throughout was pretty wooden to say the least. This film has been given 10 stars for Begin the Beguine.
Astaire is my idol, my hero. Since I was a toddler I have been enthralled by him. His talent, his natural ability, his sense of style and elegance, coupled with the fact that he was an enormously nice and caring fellow, makes him one of the most iconic figures of the 20th Century.
After a disappointing film debut in 1933's Dancing Lady when he got the opportunity to dance with such a musical talent as Joan Crawford (sarcasm not to be missed there)and 1937's Damsel in Destress where he danced alongside the nibble footed, Joan Fontaine (Sarcasm really being laid on thick now), Fred had never really been paired with anyone with dancing abilities even remotely on par with his own. Even Ginger, despite the on screen magic created, was not really in Freds league as far as dancing was concerned.(the exception to the rule being, Pick Yourself Up from 1936's Swing Time, by far the best and my personal favourite routine by the two.)
So when Astaire and Eleanor Powell came together for Broadway Melody of 1940, it was in effect a meeting of giants. At last he was able to dance to his full ability, not having to wait for the inexperienced to catch up, and Powell certainly was in step throughout; the only one of his movie dancing partners I felt to be ever in his category.
I have seen every single movie musical Astaire ever made and have watched every single one of his routines and I have to tell you, Begin the Beguine is the best routine he ever did. Fact. Period.
It is faultless and genius. The tap dancing is phenomenal, each tap clearly audible and each gesture perfectly executed. The energy they must have had and how exhausted they must have been, yet the two just take it in there stride as if they were walking in a park feeding the ducks.. They made it look so effortless.
Frank Sinatra was right when he spoke of this routine, "you can wait around and hope but I'll tell ya, You'll never see the likes of this again."