Fred and Ginger: The Astaire-Rogers Partnership 1934-1938

by Hannah Hyam

The partnership between Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers, which was born and reached its peak in the Hollywood musical of the 1930s, is one of the most enduringly popular ever to have graced the cinema screen. This important new study explores the series of seven films - from "The Gay Divorcee " in 1934 to "Carefree" in 1938 - that represent the quintessential 'Fred and Ginger'. Astaire and Rogers are most renowned for their peerless dance duets, but these constitute only a small proportion of the time they appeared on screen together. Their skills as performers and their remarkable rapport are equally apparent in their acting and singing, and in Fred and Ginger Hannah Hyam analyses all three aspects of their partnership in depth, illuminating the qualities that give it such timeless appeal. Distinguishing the seven 'Fred and Ginger' films from the three others that Astaire and Rogers made together, the book defines their characteristic features and assesses their relative merits, before going on to examine in detail the romantic partnership between Fred and Ginger as pursued in dialogue, song and dance throughout the series. Generously illustrated with choice black and white stills, Fred and Ginger will be welcomed not only by Astaire-Rogers enthusiasts and students of the genre but by all lovers of film and of true artistry in music and dance.

Genres: Nonfiction, Biography

276 pages, Paperback

First published June 11, 2007

Reviews

[Stephanie · Rating 3 out of 5]

A different look at the Astaire and Rogers partnership and I enjoyed it. The book read a bit like a term paper on the titular couple, which was fine but a tad too dispassionate at times. There's no doubt it was thoroughly researched, as evidenced by the number of footnotes. If you haven't read some of the other film historians' commentaries on Astaire and Rogers, Hannah Hyam as essentially compiled them for you and condensed things.

[Laura]

My overall impression of this book is that it’s a load of twaddle, repetitive twaddle at that, which is a shame as I had high expectations. There is little content that isn’t simple opinion & often, to my mind, flawed opinion. On the plus side the images are beautiful. But this is just my opinion, & hey, who am I to judge 😉

[Peter M. B. · Rating 3 out of 5]

I've become enamored of both Ginger Rogers and Fred Astaire over the last year. Both in their movies together and in their separate films. I've read several books about both of them and this book is a must-read for fans such as myself.

This book can be frustrating in places, however. The chapters on the musical numbers are the highlight of the book and if they were by themselves, this book would merit five stars. The surrounding material is weaker however. Particularly the opening chapter where the author makes some strained and implausible arguments for why the three Astaire-Rogers films she doesn't want to write about do not fit in the 'series' as the other seven. Also many of the movie scenes are recounted in overly precise detail.

But again - a must-read for fans of only for the chapters on the musical numbers (about half the book).

[seton · Rating 2 out of 5]

The great books in the canon of Astaire & Rogers literature still remain Arlene Croce's Fred Astaire & Ginger Rogers Book(1972)and John Mueller's Astaire Dancing (1986). I would have loved to have seen another insightful addition to the canon written with the same verve and elegance that one sees in this celebrated team's dancing but this book is not it. In my opinion, it added nothing new to the table.

I'll go as far as to question the author's authority on this subject since she got a few minor details wrong, especially with regard to Rogers's dresses.

[Rachel · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fascinating analysis of Fred and Ginger, Hyam highlights many points that I had not previously considered. Although each section is aptly accompanied by useful shots of the discussed dances to illustrate the points made, the format of this book means that repetitions are consistent and often tiresome. Regardless, Hyam will make you want to dig out your old DVDs and relive the golden days of Old Hollywood.