Blue Skies

US (1946): Musical/Dance

The owner of a nightclub (Bing Crosby) and a dancing star (Fred Astaire) are friends turned romantic rivals in this musical featuring the songs of Irving Berlin. A nostalgic, loosely constructed musical that follows the years-long rivalry between two musical stars who love the same woman. Songs include "Puttin' on the Ritz," "A Couple of Song and Dance Men," "You Keep Coming Back Like a Song."

Actor and tap dancer Paul Draper (1936's Colleen) originally played the role of Jed in the film, but was replaced with Fred Astaire several days into production. Draper worked on only one more film, 1948's The Time of Your Life. Stuart Heisler directs for Paramount, with uncredited help from Mark Sandrich. Cast also includes Billy DeWolfe, Olga San Juan, Frank Faylen and Robert Benchley. (amctv.com)

 View a clip of Fred Astaire performing "Puttin' on the Ritz" in this film on YouTube.com.

2 nominations