BootDigest Such a frustrating disappointment

VividSimon Simply Perfect

SoTrumpBelieve Must See Movie...

Console best movie i've ever seen.

kijii As I started to watch this movie, I just thought I was rounding out my Ginger Rogers Fred Astaire movie viewing. However, they only seemed to only a small part of this movie. The movie had a little of their dancing, a little of Irene Dunne's singing: 'A Russian Lullaby' 'Yesterdays' and 'Smoke Gets in your Eyes,' Then, there was Fred Astaire singing a couple of Jerome Kern songs: 'I Won't Dance' and 'Lovely to Look At.'Then, there was a couple of fashion shows (the story takes place in Paris). Finally there were a couple of so-so-who-cares love stories and a very weak plot. The movie seemed to have a little of everything and not enough of anything in particular. That is, the story just didn't hold together because there were just too many unnecessary (or improbable) elements to it. For example: ----Why did Ginger Rogers sometimes feign a Polish accent (badly) and other times, not?----What was the purpose of the Russian element to the story? ----What does it add to the story that Irene Dunne (who spoke perfect 'American') was a Russian princess? ----Why did a football player, John Kent (Randolph Scott) tag along with a jazz band—from Indiana?---How did this penniless jazz band get the money to go from Indiana to Paris—DURING THE DEPRESSION?For me, the only reason for having the story was to transport all of these Americans to Paris was for the fashion shows.

clanciai This is in some ways the most interesting Astaire-Rodgers film, particularly because for once they don't dominate the whole film, which instead has some very different aspects to offer than just glittering show entertainment. It's really the story of a fashion centre in Paris, Roberta being the old legendary proprietress, who unexpectedly exits, leaving Fred and others to take over the business, which they can't handle. But the real story is something else: in the centre Irene Dunne represents an exiled Russian princess with an interesting circle of other Russian aristocrats, one of them being heir to the throne. The atmosphere of Russian exiles in Paris is intimately conveyed with warming conviction, at the heart of which complications the song "Smoke Gets in Your Eyes" makes a lasting impact, involving the Princess' tragic love affair with a good-for-nothing American standing in the bar getting drunk and rude (Randolph Scott in a pathetic and almost vulgar performance - how Irene Dunne could love him and with continuity is a mystery.)The music pervades the whole film weaving it into a web of beauty, nostalgia and magic, enhanced by the overwhelming beauty of the mannequins parading now and then with dream haute-coutures out of this world. It's a very singular film, completely out of the ordinary for Ginger and Fred, but still of course gilded by their performances, here highlighted by some of their very finest momentums. Grossly neglected, underrated, almost forgotten and misunderstood, this is one of their films to never forget but always return to.

atlasmb While watching "Roberta", I felt I was on a roller-coaster of highs and lows.The stars--Irene Dunn, Fred Astaire, Ginger Rogers and Randolph Scott--are heavy hitters. I enjoyed most of their performances, but I felt that Scott portrayed his character as too much of a lunk, so I found that distracting. Astaire and Rogers are wonderful, as usual. One might hope for more dance numbers. Those included are fantastic. When Fred dances alone in this film, it is easy to compare his style to Gene Kelly's. Fred packs in so many different dance steps, while Gene is more of a straight ahead hoofer (who likes to athletically exploit his environs). The story serves as little more than an excuse for dance numbers, songs and fashion. The fashion is one of the highlights of the film and worth the price of admission.The soundtrack is afflicted with two songs that were extremely popular. "Smoke Gets in Your Eyes" is a great orchestral number, but when sung it really reveals its weaknesses. The tune is boring and made nearly unbearable when sung with a very high voice, like Irene Dunn's. "Lovely to Look At" is one of my least favorite songs, with a perfectly fine waltz tempo that is marred by sections reminiscent of a cartoon ditty. When sung by Irene Dunne--or almost anyone--it grates.The sets are amazingly complex and stylish, further emphasizing the wonderful fashions in this film.

gkeith_1 My take on this movie: Helen Westley great. Randolph Scott a tall hunka sweetness. Ginger Rogers has nice accent. Irene Dunne lovely singer. Fred Astaire great, especially playing those organ fingers. Indianians and Indians a nice touch tongue twister. The elevator being stuck always gets some laughs out of me.I also like the 1950s remake: "Lovely to Look At".I loved the little black "vulgar" dress, the front at least. The back I would have re-designed to have more substance around the waistline.Scott's fiancé/gf was a miserable, cold fish, cold block of ice. I am glad she got talked into getting the terrible dress. That was so funny, and an ironic comeuppance for her.A sweet movie. 10/10.