This is deservedly considered Fred Astaire's weakest film, not in his performance, but in the plot line and in its production values. First of all, as a 42 year old college student who has stayed in school simply for the fact that as a student, he continues to have gigs as the college's band leader (along with Burgess Meredith!) is already a ridiculous set-up. Then, how the two best pals try to sabotage each other for the love of their young manager (Paulette Goddard, who would end up marrying Meredith in real life!) during a public audition with Artie Shaw's band isn't realistic considering the alleged closeness of their friendship. (I'm surprised that they didn't have Meredith didn't sit up front sucking on a lemon while Astaire played his solo). Toss in Charles Butterworth as the mandolin playing benefactor of a concert Shaw is giving and a plot to keep him off stage with his mandolin during the performance, and there's little to do but groan.
In spite of the fact that next to Joan Fontaine, Goddard was considered Astaire's weakest dancing partner, she actually does good in their one number together. He may have worked her hard and given her some fairly easy steps, but she manages to pull it off. Goddard does have some romantic chemistry with Astaire, not as light on her feet as Ginger Rogers, but equally as sexy. The big band sequences feature some fun if unmemorable jazz music, and Astaire's dance while conducting Shaw's band seems strangely out of place. Still, there are some moments of amusement and any film where Astaire dances can't be all that bad.
In spite of the fact that next to Joan Fontaine, Goddard was considered Astaire's weakest dancing partner, she actually does good in their one number together. He may have worked her hard and given her some fairly easy steps, but she manages to pull it off. Goddard does have some romantic chemistry with Astaire, not as light on her feet as Ginger Rogers, but equally as sexy. The big band sequences feature some fun if unmemorable jazz music, and Astaire's dance while conducting Shaw's band seems strangely out of place. Still, there are some moments of amusement and any film where Astaire dances can't be all that bad.