Watch Shall We Dance

Shall We Dance is a classic Hollywood musical from 1937 that stars the legendary dancing duo, Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers, alongside character actor Edward Everett Horton. Directed by Mark Sandrich, the film is a romantic comedy that showcases the incredible talent of its lead actors through stunning dance numbers and witty repartee. Set in the glamorous world of ballroom dancing, Shall We Dance is a delightful and entertaining movie that has stood the test of time as a beloved classic.

The film centers around Peter P. Peters (Astaire), a famous dancer who has grown tired of his success and longs for a more fulfilling life. One day, while on a cruise ship bound for New York, Peter sees the beautiful Linda Keene (Rogers) and is immediately smitten. Linda is a talented dancer and musical star who is engaged to the wealthy and uptight Jim Montgomery (Jerome Cowan). Despite both being famous in their own right, Peter and Linda have never met before, but Peter decides to pursue her anyway.

At first, Linda is put off by Peter's advances and thinks he's just another fan. But as the two spend more time together, she begins to see a different side of him and is drawn to his charm and wit. As they dance together, their chemistry becomes undeniable, and they begin to develop deep feelings for each other. However, Linda's engagement to Jim poses a major obstacle, and it seems that their love story may be doomed from the start.

Adding to the film's charm are the supporting characters, most notably Edward Everett Horton's character, Jeffrey Baird. Jeffrey is the ship's bumbling detective who is determined to uncover a non-existent scandal involving Peter and Linda. His comedic timing and wit are the perfect foil to Astaire's suave and debonair character, and their scenes together are some of the film's funniest moments.

But what really sets Shall We Dance apart is the breathtaking dance numbers performed by Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers. From the opening scene, where Astaire dances solo on the ship's deck to the iconic "Let's Call the Whole Thing Off" number, where the duo dances on roller skates, every dance sequence is a masterclass in precision, grace, and artistry. Astaire's incredible footwork and Rogers' stunning grace and poise are a testament to the enduring legacy of these two iconic performers.

The film's musical score is also noteworthy, with classic songs like "They All Laughed," "They Can't Take That Away from Me," and "Slap That Bass." The music is expertly woven into the narrative, with each song serving to advance the plot and enhance the emotional impact of each scene. The film's finale, featuring the romantic "Let's Call the Whole Thing Off" number, is a showstopping moment that will leave audiences spellbound.

Ultimately, Shall We Dance is a romantic and comedic masterpiece that showcases the incredible talent of its cast and crew. From its witty screenplay and charming characters to its breathtaking dance sequences and unforgettable musical score, the film is a testament to the golden age of Hollywood and the enduring appeal of classic musicals. For fans of Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers, as well as anyone who loves a good romantic comedy, Shall We Dance is a must-see classic that will leave you with a smile on your face and a song in your heart.

Shall We Dance is a 1937 comedy with a runtime of 1 hour and 49 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.4.