Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #13480 in DVD
• Released on: 2003-11-03
• Rating: Universal, suitable for all
• Number of discs: 1
• Formats: Black & White, PAL
• Original language: English
• Number of discs: 1
• Running time: 88 minutes

Amazon.com
They don't make the most obvious screen couple--if you squint, you might think Stan Laurel had gotten together with Lauren Bacall--but their differences only serve to make this effervescent musical all the more entertaining. You'll Never Get Rich is the first of two that Fred Astaire and Rita Hayworth made together (followed by You Were Never Lovelier). Astaire, who stars as choreographer-turned-soldier Robert Curtis, has rarely been looser, and Hayworth, as dancer Sheila Winthrop, has rarely been more graceful. As in Royal Wedding, Astaire also engages in some fancy solo footwork. Robert Benchley and Frieda Inescort provide priceless support as Robert's philandering boss and his clever wife, and Cole Porter composed the music, including "So Near and Yet So Far," "Dream Dancing," and the Oscar®-nominated "Since I Kissed My Baby Goodbye." You'll Never Get Rich is timeless, escapist fun that also serves to prove that sometimes opposites don't just attract--they can make beautiful music together. --Kathleen C. Fennessy

Synopsis
Martin Cortland, a philandering Broadway producer, has the habit of hitting on chorus girls and giving them expensive trinkets. Whenever he finds himself in trouble with Mrs. Cortland, Martin just coerces dancer-director Robert Curtis (Fred Astaire) into taking the blame for his overtures. This time, Mrs. Cortland catches Martin hitting on Sheila Winthrop (Rita Hayworth)-- an affable and alluringly beautiful woman. Robert agrees to bail Cortland out one more time, but he finds himself in trouble with Shelia's protective older brother. Robert joins the Army to avoid confronting Shelia's sibling, only to discover he's an officer in the army. Luckily, Martin is going to produce a show for the troops and hire Robert to direct the effort -- keeping him safe from bodily harm. Robert may be in the army now, but at least he can woo lovely Shelia for himself. Academy Award Nominations: Best Song ("Since I Kissed My Baby Goodbye"), Best Scoring of a Musical Picture.

Customer Reviews

Sophisticated and witty
Script is amazingly witty, and director holds it all together - gags, music, dancing, romancing - with expertise and musicality, and always with an idea for the unexpected twist and turn. Astaire is unfailingly elegant, especially in his solos and never more so than in the fiery, dynamic rag that he does with the band in the slammer, great scene! Hayworth is divine, no less, sophisticated like no one's business, sexy, piquante. Cliff Nazarro is hilarious as the Swivel Tongue, a private who talks smoothly all the time, yet nobody understands a word he is saying. I wasn't prepared for the greatness of this film that, in the annals, does not stand out as the classic it is.

Rita Hayworth AND Fred Astaire - worth every penny!!
I fell in love with Rita Hayworth more years ago than I care to remember, being dragged to watch these films with my mother. Now, far older, I can enjoy the splendid dancing of these two stars. I like Ginger, I love Cyd, but I adore Rita - would that she made more films with Fred. He is, of course, brilliant (as always) and she dances magnificently. The story isnt up to much but the tunes are all strong with a couple of standards. Black and white yes, perhaps not the best quality picture and sound, but still a marvellous treat for lovers of music and dance. I would recommend this strongly to anyone who wants to see the breadth of talent available in Hollywood at that time.

I've Seen Lovelier
First of all, on the subject of Ginger Rogers: Rita is a wonderful partner for Fred but I wouldn't say that she was better than Ginger. Ginger and Rita both have a different chemistry with Fred and they have a different style of dancing. I find it impossible to choose between the two girls.

'You Were Never Lovelier' has a flimsy storyline which doesn't make much sense but it is a charming film. 'You'll Never Get Rich' has a flimsy storyline which doesn't make much sense but it has very little charm. It is worth watching for Fred and Rita's dancing but little else. If you want to see Fred and Rita in a film more worthy of their talents, watch 'You Were Never Lovelier'.