When asked to pick a film that I’d equate with ice cream for a sweet-inspired blogathon, I recalled the Rita Hayworth-Fred Astaire confection, You Were Never Lovelier. The plot is so silly: a sexist father, Eduardo Acuña (Adolphe Menjou), creates an imaginary secret admirer for his daughter, Maria (Rita Hayworth). He thinks he can handpick her suitor and pretend the boy is writing the love notes he himself is penning. But Maria mistakes a dancer, Robert (Fred Astaire), for her admirer, and much confusion ensues. It’s hard to explain why a story like this could win over its audience, especially since Maria is ridiculously susceptible, Robert directionless, and the film’s portrayal of Argentinians fantastical. And yet….What’s the primary feeling while watching? Utter delight. Try to watch it without grinning, rewinding, and pressing play again.
Why, you might ask?
Well, here’s our hero, Robert (Fred Astaire), dancing on a desk to protest Acuña’s refusal to consider him for his nightclub:
There’s the very funny meet cute between Robert and Maria, an encounter that doesn’t go well thanks to some snarky remarks by the former, who doesn’t know who she is.
And there’s the heavenly dancing. Within one scene Rita Hayworth and Fred Astaire make you forget the implausibility of the story because these are two of the most expressive dancers ever. From their first dance in, you’re entranced by their characters’ romance. How could you not be convinced, after watching them together?
The sweet, Oscar-nominated score is lovely, and the songs are catchy. “I’m Old-Fashioned” always makes me smile. Listen to Ella Fitzgerald’s version, or even better, watch a much longer clip than I’ve posted here at TCM, with Hayworth lip syncing it (sung by Nan Wynn) to Astaire’s Robert.
And that’s just one scene. I envy all of you who haven’t seen this film. You’re in for a treat.
This post is part of the Classic Movie Ice Cream Social, hosted by Fritzi of Movies Silently: a celebration of those movies and recipes that make us smile.
Rita and Fred are so perfectly matched in this film, it’s my favourite of the three films they made together. And I love Eduardo’s hapless secretary, who steals several scenes!
Yes, they have amazing chemistry in this one. You’ll Never Get Rich, in contrast, never quite worked for me–though I think there it’s mainly that there’s too much plot, too little dancing. When those two are in motion together, the chemistry is there. And you’re right! The secretary is so funny in it. I like the aunt too, and occasionally, the mother; though Menjou has always gotten on my nerves, he’s well cast here.
Thanks so much for joining in! Astaire, Hayworth, Menjou… worth it for the cast alone!
Thanks for hosting such a great event! It’s true:) A good cast, even for some minor characters.
The title of this film is like perfect. I had never seen it, but it sounds like one I would like. And to see Fred Astaire and Rita Hayworth dance together certainly sounds like something not to miss! Thanks for the great article 🙂
I invite you to read my entry as well!
That was an awesome review! I love the little anecdote you told us at the beginning. I had never heard of this film before, but with a title like that, it certainly sounds like a cheering one!
Don’t forget to read my entry as well 🙂
https://thewonderfulworldofcinema.wordpress.com/2016/05/19/oh-but-you-must-see-give-us-the-moon/
Hi Virginie. Thank you! Oh definitely check it out. Yes, I will. Look forward to it:)
Hi Leah. We can see in this movie why Rita Hayworth was one of Fred Astaire’s favorite partners. Too bad they didn’t let her do her own singing. “He thinks he can handpick her suitor and pretend the boy is writing the love notes he himself is penning.” Too bad Freud died before this one was released. He might have had some interesting comments ;0)
You are absolutely right! This one is so disturbing in terms of the father-daughter relationship! I can never avoid feeling squeamish as the dad discusses his whole strategy. As far as Rita, I don’t understand why they didn’t let her sing. Astaire didn’t have a great voice, so it’s unclear why she had to have one. I mean, if he’d been Frank Sinatra, I could understand. But as it was, the distinction is silly.
I love both Fred and Rita, but have never seen this film. I believe some musicals hve silly plots because the music is everything that matters – not that it’s impossible to have both great plot and music.
If I remember well, Fred said Rita was his favorite dance partner ever.
Don’t forget to read my contribution to the blogathon! 🙂
Cheers!
Le
I’ve heard that too. I think he & her father were friends also. I definitely will. Thanks, Le!
Great post! I adore this film. Fred and Rita were absolutely gorgeous together. I’m completely in love with Fred’s version of “Dearly Beloved,” too. I actually compiled notes for a post on this movie almost two years ago and still haven’t written anything up. Maybe when I get back to the States.
Oh, I’d love to read your writeup!:) You’re right. I love when he sings that. You’ve made me want to go watch it again:)