Top Hat

Is there a film as transcendent as Top Hat? While the plot could have easily been resolved by a personal introduction, it’s absolutely fun to see the shenanigans that this simple miscommunication brings. It brings the spats between the couples, the witty banter they share, and the palpable chemistry between Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers. And of course, it’s lovely to see Fred and Ginger dance, gliding through the ballroom with their smooth voices and even smoother moves. Their on-screen partnership can be seen in plenty of other films, but Top Hat was one of the best ones they made together, and one of the best Hollywood musicals ever made.

Showman Jerry Travers is working for producer Horace Hardwick in London. Jerry demonstrates his new dance steps late one night in Horace's hotel room, much to the annoyance of sleeping Dale Tremont below. She goes upstairs to complain and the two are immediately attracted to each other. Complications arise when Dale mistakes Jerry for Horace.