FuzzyTagz
If the ambition is to provide two hours of instantly forgettable, popcorn-munching escapism, it succeeds.
PiraBit
if their story seems completely bonkers, almost like a feverish work of fiction, you ain't heard nothing yet.
Marva
It is an exhilarating, distressing, funny and profound film, with one of the more memorable film scores in years,
Jem Odewahn
Ginger Rogers may have been Fred Astaire's ultimate dance partner, but Rita Hayworth makes a very worthwhile play for that title in 'You Were Never Lovelier'. This fun wartime comedy-musical has a very contrived plot that is as flimsy as tissue paper, but when the two stars Hayworth and Astaire are on screen together all faults are forgiven for the sheer brilliance they show together as dancing partners.Hayowrth, early in her career, shows little sign of nervousness before the camera and handles her role as Sheila Winthrop very well, she imbues her with charm, grace and just a hint of sass. Astaire is equally likable as Robert Curtis, Rita's love interest from the beginning. As with all of Astaire's films with Rogers the lovestruck couple experience a series of misdemeanours that hinder their romance, until a romantic finale reunites the pair. Light moments of comedy work well to compliment the bursts of energetic dancing, and Hayworth's and Astaire's charisma shine through perfectly when they are needed to lift the action.The army base setting is refreshing, yet also distracting. A little too much time is given to the rather unamusing antics of Astaire's servicemen buddies. The film isn't overly influenced with visual style, the sets look as if they have been used time and time again, yet Hayworth and Astaire are sublime whatever the situation. Rita looks very beautiful in this one, and she displays a natural acting talent. Astaire was never much of an actor but he lights up the screen like no other. Nice supporting work from Frieda Inescort is a highlight, as is the dancing finale for Hayworth and Astaire atop an army tank. Yes, the army sub-plot came in handy in the end.Margarita Cansino was still undergoing the 'Rita Hayworth' transformation while this film was being made, so Rita still looks quite Latin in most scenes, with darker hair than we are normally accustomed to from the famous redhead. Fred often said that Rita was the best dancer he ever worked with, and at times he does seem in awe of her capabilities that definitely match his. Rita considered this one of the two jewels in her film career (the other being 'You Were Never Lovelier' with, you guessed it, Fred), and it is a gorgeous film.A feel-good musical that isn't a mind-blowing film experience, yet is definitely an enjoyable one.7/10.
cobrazulu
I have to differ with the viewer who feels that though Rita Hayworth was a marvelous dancer she did not measure up to Ginger Rogers as the partner of Fred Astaire. Rita's dancing was so graceful that she was the perfect match for the stupendous Astaire. Her beauty in this movie is a thing to behold. Now after all these years we can only wish that they included a bunch of other dances instead of all the silliness. How can it be that such a lovely as Rita would have such a difficult life? I wonder if the talented Hayworth ever realized that it would be her early dancing that would really be her lasting legacy and if she did would she have given us more to appreciate for the years. Watching her dance as a young woman is a joy that will be repeated for generations.
MissPommery1926
Regarding the comments made by a previous poster, Astaire and Rogers were THE BEST dance team together - but who cares? Rita Hayworth is hot and sizzling all on her own!!! Don't get me wrong... I love Fred and Ginger and all of their movies together (they were my first love and intro into the wonderful world of classic movies!) But I just have to clarify that Rita in her own rights was every bit as great a dancer as Ginger ever was - maybe even better... in at least this instance. The "So Near And Yet So Far" dance number by Astaire and Hayworth in this movie is my favorite. However, I can't help chuckling at the fact that it looks as though Fred is slightly uncomfortable in this latin themed song. Rita is heavenly shaking those gorgeous hips of hers and dancing rings around Fred....... and Fred... well Fred looks as though he can't quite keep up with Rita... hee hee hee! Fred dances up a storm from beginning to end of this movie....we all know he's the greatest dancer ever known to the silver screen. But his "gringo" hips just can't keep up with Rita in this number. It was a valiant try though! So Ginger can keep Fred..... who cares.....we're all looking at Rita.
uberlibrarian
You'll Never Get Rich finds Fred, as usual, working as a choreographer/dancer in NYC. Following one-too-many hot water situations cooked up by his boss, he gets his draft notice, and after some fancy non-footwork, gets inducted into the Army. From there it's off to basic training.The story follows the usual boy-meets-girl, boy-gets-girl, boy-loses-girl, boy-gets-girl-back musical comedy formula.What's fun is to see the very young Rita Hayworth and the always splendid Fred Astaire in an unusual setting. There are some swell dance numbers, and Astaire is said to have thought Hayworth one of his best partners. An especially nice bit has Fred dancing by himself in the guardhouse, while he listens to a group of Black soldiers playing and singing.This is a fun movie for anyone fond of either Fred Astaire or Rita Hayworth, but beautiful as she was, Rita just didn't bring out the best in Fred Astaire like Ginger Rogers did. Kathryn Hepburn is quoted as saying Rogers gave Astaire sex appeal, and Astaire gave Rogers class. I don't know whether that's the reason their movies are so much fun to watch, but she may well have been on to something.
