Follow the Fleet (1936)
Follow the Fleet is my favorite Fred and Ginger movie. It’s just impossible to watch it and not get cheered up – which was the point during the Great Depression. Even though the dancing duo aren’t the leads of the movie, they still capture the attention of every scene and make you almost forget Randolph Scott and Harriet Nelson are even in it.
Fred Astaire may be known for his tuxedo, but I don’t think he gets any cuter than wearing a sailor suit. He and Scottie play sailors on leave, and when they get to a nightclub ready for fun, they both get surprises: Scottie gets hoodwinked into escorting a homely schoolteacher (Harriet) into the club, since no single women are allowed; and Fred bumps into his old dance partner (and old flame), Ginger. Harriet is smitten with her escort, but he thinks she’s too ugly to tango with. Ginger, her sister, gives her a makeover to help catch his eye. It works!
This was the first Randolph Scott movie I saw, and for years afterwards, I never liked him. His character is such a jerk in this movie, and he doesn’t have any remorse. I know it’s a light comedy, but I just couldn’t stand him. It took a few of his classic westerns to change my mind. Fred is as cute as can be, though. He and Ginger get to spar hilarious quips off one another, and their chemistry is as good as it gets. You can imagine them cracking up after each take. But, I’ve since learned they weren’t the only ones who got along; Fred and Scottie developed a lifelong friendship. He was even “Uncle Fred” to Scottie’s kids!
To some, a musical is only as good as its songs. To me, a musical is only as good as its libretto. If the songs are great, you can always buy the record (or CD) and listen to them. But if the script is good, you’ll want to watch the show over and over again. Follow the Fleet is hilarious, with long set-ups that pay off in the end. (“Was I long, darling?”) Hilarious one-liners take you through from start to finish. (“Gosh, you’re glad to see me!”) I split my sides laughing whenever I watch this movie, and I’ve seen it more than ten times.
And now for the dance numbers. You wouldn’t pick out a Fred and Ginger movie without wanting to see some dancing, would you? Follow the Fleet has some great songs scattered throughout, all with different moods. For laughs, there’s “We Saw the Sea”, sentimentality reigns in “I’m Putting All My Eggs in One Basket”, and two others promote inspiration in the Great Depression. “Let Yourself Go” is upbeat and catchy, and featured in two scenes. Fred tries to help Ginger get a job, so he tries to sabotage the girl who’s about to be hired – not knowing it’s Ginger herself! He slips bicarbonate into her water glass and she hiccups her way through the song. Last but not least, “Let’s Face the Music and Dance”, the beautiful number that won Best Song at the 1936 Rag Awards. It’s so beautiful, and it personifies the Great Depression like no other. If you haven’t seen this hilarious musical in a while, set aside some time this weekend and get ready to smile.
Want to watch it? Click here to see it on ok.ru and thanks "Classic Movies Kristine Rose" for posting!
More Fred Astaire movies here!
More Randolph Scott movies here!
Fred Astaire may be known for his tuxedo, but I don’t think he gets any cuter than wearing a sailor suit. He and Scottie play sailors on leave, and when they get to a nightclub ready for fun, they both get surprises: Scottie gets hoodwinked into escorting a homely schoolteacher (Harriet) into the club, since no single women are allowed; and Fred bumps into his old dance partner (and old flame), Ginger. Harriet is smitten with her escort, but he thinks she’s too ugly to tango with. Ginger, her sister, gives her a makeover to help catch his eye. It works!
This was the first Randolph Scott movie I saw, and for years afterwards, I never liked him. His character is such a jerk in this movie, and he doesn’t have any remorse. I know it’s a light comedy, but I just couldn’t stand him. It took a few of his classic westerns to change my mind. Fred is as cute as can be, though. He and Ginger get to spar hilarious quips off one another, and their chemistry is as good as it gets. You can imagine them cracking up after each take. But, I’ve since learned they weren’t the only ones who got along; Fred and Scottie developed a lifelong friendship. He was even “Uncle Fred” to Scottie’s kids!
To some, a musical is only as good as its songs. To me, a musical is only as good as its libretto. If the songs are great, you can always buy the record (or CD) and listen to them. But if the script is good, you’ll want to watch the show over and over again. Follow the Fleet is hilarious, with long set-ups that pay off in the end. (“Was I long, darling?”) Hilarious one-liners take you through from start to finish. (“Gosh, you’re glad to see me!”) I split my sides laughing whenever I watch this movie, and I’ve seen it more than ten times.
And now for the dance numbers. You wouldn’t pick out a Fred and Ginger movie without wanting to see some dancing, would you? Follow the Fleet has some great songs scattered throughout, all with different moods. For laughs, there’s “We Saw the Sea”, sentimentality reigns in “I’m Putting All My Eggs in One Basket”, and two others promote inspiration in the Great Depression. “Let Yourself Go” is upbeat and catchy, and featured in two scenes. Fred tries to help Ginger get a job, so he tries to sabotage the girl who’s about to be hired – not knowing it’s Ginger herself! He slips bicarbonate into her water glass and she hiccups her way through the song. Last but not least, “Let’s Face the Music and Dance”, the beautiful number that won Best Song at the 1936 Rag Awards. It’s so beautiful, and it personifies the Great Depression like no other. If you haven’t seen this hilarious musical in a while, set aside some time this weekend and get ready to smile.
Want to watch it? Click here to see it on ok.ru and thanks "Classic Movies Kristine Rose" for posting!
More Fred Astaire movies here!
More Randolph Scott movies here!
Hot Toasty Rag Awards:
Best Song of 1936:"Let's Face the Music and Dance"
Hot Toasty Rag Nominations:
Best Screenplay