Shall We Dance?

Amazon.com

On his evening commute, bored accountant Sugiyama (Koji Yakusho) always looks for the beautiful woman who gazes wistfully out the window of the Kishikawa School of Dancing. One night he gets off the train, walks into the studio, and signs up for a class. Soon Sugiyama is so engrossed in his dancing he practices his steps on the train platform and under his desk, and becomes good enough for competition, compelling his wife to hire a private investigator to find out why he stays out late and returns home smelling of perfume. Among the colorful characters Sugiyama meets is his coworker Aoki (Naoto Takenaka), who transforms himself from geeky systems analyst to hilariously flamboyant (and bad-wigged) lounge lizard. Aoki explains to Sugiyama, "When I finish work, put on the clothes, the wig and become Donny Burns, Latin world champion, and I start to move to the rhythm, I'm so happy, so completely free." Here lies the chief charm of Shall We Dance, the contrast between the ultracompetitive women of the studio--including the one who caught Sugiyama's eye, Mai (Tamiyo Kusakari)--and the men who dance simply because they enjoy it. This 1996 film is somewhat comparable to the flamboyant Aussie favorite Strictly Ballroom, but Shall We Dance is especially noteworthy for contrasting the boldness of social dance with the buttoned-up societal mores of Japan, where people avoid public displays of emotion. Even in Japan, the joy of dance is irresistible. --David Horiuchi

Description

Here's the irresistible comedy treat that had critics and audiences cheering all across America ... and inspired the new Hollywood hit starring Richard Gere (CHICAGO), Jennifer Lopez (MAID IN MANHATTAN), and Susan Sarandon (DEAD MAN WALKING). A middle-aged workaholic's incredibly dull life takes a funny turn when he signs up for a ballroom dance class -- just to meet the sexy dance teacher. But when he finally muscles up the nerve for lessons he winds up with a different instructor and her colorfully eccentric class of beginners! And now he'll have to step lightly -- and do some fancy footwork -- if he expects to keep his new secret passion from his family and friends! You'll love every minute of this crowd-pleasing motion picture!

Customer Reviews:

Disappointment, actually.......2007-08-12

I had the English version - Richard Gere, J. Lopez, and Susan Sarendon since it first came out a few years back. I enjoyed the movie tremendously. I must have watched it a hundred time or more. And at the same time I was looking everywhere for the Japanese version which is supposed to be very good. [...] finally came to my rescue, many thanks for that! Unfortunately I thought the acting was not even half as good as the English version. The guy with the hair-piece was over-acting and so did other actors.

Japan's taboo: DANCING? 4+1/2 enthusiastic stars.......2007-07-29

This is one perfectly pleasant and heartwarming piece of cinematic charm.SHALL WE DANCE? gives us a sneak peak into the Japanese taboo, dancing...yes, dancing...and ballroom dancing at that! Maybe in the way Americans may view men who do ballet, the Japanese view ballroom dancing the same...it just isn't manly!.What is more an issue here, though, is how the Japanese view closeness between a man and a woman or between a husband and wife. The relationships are stoic, functional yet distant and cool.Mr. Sugiyama decides that for whatever reason he MUST take up dancing. Whatever the reason that drives him initially is,dancing becomes an obsession and then a love,so much so that his wife hires a private detective to follow his whereabouts. So this lovely story follows Mr.Sugiyama and a cast of very colorful characters into the "hidden and taboo" world of ballroom dancing.
The film really explores the dancing and how it opens peoples emotions to their larger humanity. The actors all play their parts in a heartwarming and convincing way, and it is just a downright delightful film.Why four stars? Well let's give it 4 1/2. There are a few draggy spots, but hey, other than that anyone should have a really good time with this film.
This film needs to be viewed with a Japanese sensibility, and not an American one to fully appreciate the gravitas of this matter.
Excellent companion films would be STRICTLY BALLROOM,THE COMPANY,WHITE NIGHTS and BILLY ELLIOT.The Hollywood remake with Richard Gere and JLo is okay, but really lacks the humbleness and warmth of the original.

Shall We Dance?.......2007-07-17

Delightful from head to heel, this sweet-natured comedy examines the liberation of a buttoned-down salaryman in a society where flamboyant self-expression is a kind of unspoken taboo, especially for the respectable middle classes. Yakusho plays the role of flowering hoofer with hilarious awkwardness and genuine joy, while real-life ballerina Kusakari is luscious as the sexy partner who mentors him for a dance competition. Much of the film's humor arrives in the person of Tomio (Naoto Takenaka), Shohei's co-worker by day and an outlandishly attired rumba specialist by night. For sheer, exhilarating feel-good fun, "Dance" is a hard act to follow.

The Original Shall We Dance.......2007-07-04

When I first viewed this film it was before they released an American version staring Richard Gere. I had enjoyed this film so much that I could only think that Richard Gere and some others in Hollywood also must have liked it. I had little desire to see a remake of this film since as the film begins the narrator speaks of how dancing is a western concept that makes small allowances for the Japanese private culture. This is the charm of Shall We Dance in that a Japanese businessman is lured into stepping out of his world when watching a dance instructor from his evening home bound train. I was caught up imagining what it would be like to be in his shoes or even some of the other characters such as his wife or one of the other dance instructors. All the characters are colorful especially some whom do not exemplify traditional Japanese behavior. Yes I can not imagine this film being as endearing filmed in the Western version. An interesting look at japanese culture and Western influences upon it.

Shall we sit this dance out - I've two left feet........2007-06-27

I had heard that this was really worthwhile DVD to see. I was disappointed. I felt that the acting was wooden & the film didn't move along - it had a tendency to get bogged down. Also the stars seemed to be self-conscious when dancing. I had seen "Shall We Dance" with Richard Gere & Jennifer Lopez before I saw the Japanese version & felt that it had big shoes to fill. I wasn't wrong. Richard Gere's "Shall We Dance"? is streets ahead with an immensely watchable film.

Astaire & Rogers Ultimate Collector's Edition (Flying Down to Rio / The Gay Divorcee / Roberta / Top Hat / Follow the Fleet / Swing Time / Shall We Dance / Carefree / The Story of Vernon and Irene Castle / The Barkleys of Broadway)

Average customer rating:

wonderful Edition
Dazzling and Beautiful
A set of classics
BEWARE!
a thesaurus of musicals in a package for musicals lovers

Astaire & Rogers Ultimate Collector's Edition (Flying Down to Rio / The Gay Divorcee / Roberta / Top Hat / Follow the Fleet / Swing Time / Shall We Dance / Carefree / The Story of Vernon and Irene Castle / The Barkleys of Broadway)
Starring: Fred Astaire , and Ginger Rogers
Manufacturer: Warner Home Video
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

General | Comedy | Genres | DVD | Video

General | Musicals & Performing Arts | Genres | DVD | Video

( A ) | Titles | Features | DVD | Video

Ultimate Editions | Fully Loaded DVDs | Features | DVD | Video
Similar Items:

ASIN: B000H6SXME
Release Date: 2006-10-24

Amazon.com

2006 marks the arrival of five Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers films (Flying Down to Rio, The Gay Divorcee, Roberta, Carefree, and The Story of Vernon and Irene Castle) on DVD after the first five were released in 2005. The big package is this Astaire & Rogers Ultimate Collector's Edition, which contains all 10 films plus a CD, a bonus DVD with the documentary Astaire and Rogers: Partners in Rhythm, press-book replicas, and some other material. If you want the big package with the extra stuff but already bought the five films in 2005, you can get the Astaire & Rogers Partial Ultimate Collector's Edition, which includes everything except the actual discs of those first five films. Or, if you only want the five new films, pick up Astaire & Rogers Collection, Vol. 2 as a bookend to Astaire & Rogers Collection, Vol. 1.

The Astaire-Rogers films mix light romantic comedy (usually centered around mistaken identities and ending, inevitably, in blissful wedding promises) with elegant dinner wear and surreal sets intended to transport '30s audiences away from the Depression to such locales as Rio, Paris, and Venice. The two stars are also aided by a recurring stable of RKO players such as Edward Everett Horton (master of the double-take), Eric Blore, and Helen Broderick. And then there's that sensational dancing set to great songs by the likes of Irving Berlin, George and Ira Gershwin, and Jerome Kern, numbers that are not merely entertaining but also innovative for their time in that they reveal character and advance the plot. Add it all up, and you have a recipe for an irrepressible joie de vivre that practically defines the movie musical.

Flying Down to Rio (1933) headlined Dolores Del Rio and Gene Raymond, but it was the fourth- and fifth-billed stars who would rewrite cinematic history. Astaire and Rogers had limited screen time, but were still able to establish many of the trademarks of their later films. The heart of the film is "The Carioca," a company dance extravaganza in which they take the floor together for the first time; their eyes meet and their foreheads touch. Their dance lasts only a few minutes, but it was the highlight of the film and audiences wanted more. The Gay Divorcee (1934) is their best early picture, a loose adaptation of Astaire's stage show, 'The Gay Divorce.' The only song retained for the movie is Cole Porter's smash hit "Night and Day," which is the setting for a sublime pas de deux between Fred and Ginger. The closer is the sprawling 17-minute ensemble number "The Continental." Roberta (1935) was a step backward, with too much time spent on 1930s Parisian fashion and the romance between top-billed Irene Dunne (who gets the best Jerome Kern ballads, "Yesterdays" and "Smoke Gets in Your Eyes") and Randolph Scott. But as the second-banana couple Astaire and Rogers still get a tap battle, a romantic duet, and plenty of comic banter.

With a score by Irving Berlin, Top Hat (1935) is most famous for two numbers, Astaire's definitive tuxedo setting "Top Hat, White Tie, and Tails" and the feathery duet "Cheek to Cheek." But other joys include Astaire's "Fancy Free" declaration, "Isn't It a Lovely Day," and the grand finale "The Piccolino." Follow the Fleet (1936) changes the pace a bit, with Astaire playing a sailor, and it suffers from making him and Rogers the second-banana couple to the dull Randolph Scott and Harriet Hilliard. But it still has plenty of laughs and some classic Irving Berlin numbers, including "Let Yourself Go," which Rogers sings before she and Astaire compete in a dance contest; a Rogers solo tap number; "I'm Putting All My Eggs in One Basket," their best comic dance. The pièce de résistance is "Let's Face the Music and Dance," a show within a show in which the pair dons their customary evening formals. Effortlessly flowing from pantomime to song to dance, this sublime piece of storytelling is one of the series' defining moments. Maybe their most enjoyable picture, Swing Time (1936) features the set-piece "Pick Yourself Up," in which Rogers "teaches" Astaire to dance before they break into a spectacular number; the farewell ode "Never Gonna Dance," and the Oscar-winning "Just the Way You Look Tonight," from the team of Jerome Kern and Dorothy Fields.

Shall We Dance (1937) has a complex plot that has Astaire and Rogers actually getting married before the final credits roll, and turns George and Ira Gershwin's brilliant "They Can't Take That Away from Me" into a heartbreaking ode. Other great songs include "Slap That Bass," "They All Laughed," and "Let's Call the Whole Thing Off," unforgettably performed on roller skates. The eighth and ninth entries in the series tried some different approaches, with the underrated Carefree (1938) more of a comedy vehicle for Ginger (yet still including some fine dances and Irving Berlin songs as well as their first onscreen kiss) and The Story of Vernon and Irene Castle (1939) portraying the pair as historical dancing stars and using a score of turn-of-the-century standards. The Barkleys of Broadway (1949) is the oddity, reuniting the stars 10 years after their last RKO picture when Judy Garland had to be replaced due to health problems. It's trademark MGM: splashy colors, Fred in a gimmicky solo number (playing sorcerer's apprentice to a line of unoccupied shoes), Oscar Levant providing his usual dynamic pianism and acerbic personality, and a score that is at its best when it borrows songs from a previous generation (including the big ballroom number set to "They Can't Take That Away from Me"). The film falls short of their best work, but serves as a fond remembrance of the most glorious partnership in film history. --David Horiuchi

Customer Reviews:

wonderful Edition.......2007-08-27

This is a wonderful edition with all movies of Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers with bonus features (Trailer, Cartons, Short Movies, a documentary on bonus DVD, Reprints of Lobbycards + 1 Audio CD with any soundtracks. But I do missing "The Piccolino" Soundrack.

Dazzling and Beautiful.......2007-04-20

Ibelieve everything has been said already of Rogers and Astaire.The two together on the screen is magical and entertaining.Funny whitty beautiful.The music by some othe greatest composer such as Berlin costumes by the best of Hollywood is a treat for the eyes.You will not be dissapointed,when you are feeling low his will make you sore to the sky.Get it.

A set of classics.......2007-02-28

If you enjoy Fred & Ginger, you need their entire set of these classics. The dialogue can be a little corny at times, but so was yours when you were young. They practiced for hours, and it shows.

BEWARE!.......2007-02-19

Twice I ordered this set for my wife, and each time the package arrived with DVDs missing from the set! All the containers were there, but as many as five (5) DVDs were gone. What a joke. I gave up and purchased the set at Borders. Does Amazon care? Never heard from them.

a thesaurus of musicals in a package for musicals lovers.......2007-02-19

each movie starring Fred and Ginger can be considered as a jewel; so is this collector's edition with bonus of value ( many photographs "off screen", newspapers articles,...) certainly collected by a true lover who aimed to enjoy the buyer.

Average customer rating:

ROMANCE
Very good romantic comedy
Dreamcast for a dreamy movie
I just love it
Great Movie

Shall We Dance? (Widescreen Edition)
Starring: Richard Gere , Jennifer Lopez , Susan Sarandon , Lisa Ann Walter , and Stanley Tucci
Director: Peter Chelsom
Manufacturer: Miramax
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

General | Comedy | Genres | DVD | Video

General | Drama | Genres | DVD | Video

DVDs Under $7.49 | Today's Deals in DVD | Special Features | DVD | Video

( S ) | Titles | Features | DVD | Video
Similar Items:

ASIN: B0006GAI6Y
Release Date: 2005-02-01

Amazon.com

Something got lost in translation from 1996's critically acclaimed Japanese comedy, but the American remake of Shall We Dance? is not without charms of its own. In being transplanted from Tokyo to Chicago, the original version's subtle humor is shaken out of its cultural context, but this is an otherwise faithful adaptation in which a weary lawyer (Richard Gere) battles his mid-life crisis with ballroom dancing lessons, while his wife (Susan Sarandon) hires a private detective to see if he's cheating. Those expecting a Jennifer Lopez showcase will be disappointed; her role as the melancholy dance instructor keeps the beautifully lovelorn J-Lo on the sidelines, while a cast of standard-issue supporting characters (especially Stanley Tucci's clandestine faux-Latin dance lover) provide a generous dose of Hollywood-ized comic relief. All of this gives Shall We Dance? a polished sheen of mainstream entertainment that many viewers---and especially ballroom dancers--will find delightfully irresistible. --Jeff Shannon

Description

Golden Globe winner Richard Gere (Best Actor In A Musical Or Comedy, CHICAGO, 2002; UNFAITHFUL) and Jennifer Lopez (JERSEY GIRL, MAID IN MANHATTAN) step out in a delightfully sexy comedy with a sizzling all-star cast! John Clark (Gere) is a meek workaholic who feels trapped in a dull, mind-numbing existence. But one night, his whole life changes when the sight of a beautiful dance instructor (Lopez) inspires him to break out of his mold and sign up for ballroom dancing lessons! Now, he'll have to step lightly -- and do some fancy footwork -- if he expects to keep his exciting new passion a secret from his family and friends. Also starring Academy Award(R) winner Susan Sarandon (Best Actress, DEAD MAN WALKING, 1995) and Stanley Tucci (THE TERMINAL), SHALL WE DANCE? is another acclaimed crowd-pleaser from the studio that brought you CHICAGO!

Customer Reviews:

ROMANCE.......2007-08-31

OH I JUST LOVE THIS!! WHENEVER J-LO DOES ANY SORT OF ROMANTIC COMEDY/DRAMA IT'S A HIT!! THE CHEMISTRY BETWEEN HER & RICHARD GERE....SO SWEET....THE MOVE WAS VERY ROMANTIC. MAKE ME WANT TO TAKE DANCE LESSONS!! KUDOS!!!

Very good romantic comedy.......2007-08-29

This is a good movie. The cast is varied and each fits his or her character. Very enjoyable with good music and ballroom dancing. It's a "light" romantic comedy/drama but worth owning.

Dreamcast for a dreamy movie.......2007-08-20

Richard Gere at (what he must be like) 85 or so, gorgeous as ever playing the loyal and faithful husband to Susan S. I like the way there was no romance between the two most beautiful characters, as predictable as that usually is - but the two are attracted to each other for deeper reasons - Gere saw in Lopez's face what he was feeling inside, and that's what attracts the two. I've been just recently a fan of Susan S., and she doesn't dissappoint -- most of the movie has her in the scenes. Another treat had been the gorgeous costumes worn by Lopez - reasonable camera time was given to them from different angles. Some of the characters are silly, specifically the fat lady and the sensual gay man--just silly and unrealistic. I think it could have been better, I have a gripe when inferior characters take away from a potentially good movie. Or is that just the way people act in CHICAGO?, because where I live, it's just unrealistic. Back to the good: Gere, Susan S., and Lopez--dream cast. I like the dance teacher too, cute character.

I just love it.......2007-08-12

I was lucky to be able to obtain the DVD a few years back, just a few months after it was available to the public. I never thought the movie would be that good. I thought it would only be a good piece merely to pass the time. To my surprise, I must have watched it a hundred times or more. I just love the actors, the accompanying music, the songs, the story, the acting. I just love everything about this movie. My sincere salute to the "Director" of the movie! He's just great. I would not hasitate to look for his other movies (if any). BTW, this is my second DVD for this movie.

Great Movie.......2007-08-06

I'm not a JLo fan and she does ok in this one (not the best but it's passable) but this movie is great! Loved the storyline, loved the characters (Stanley Tucci is a hoot!) etc.

A wonderful, warm movie. I'm not a crier but I actually cried when Richard Gere met Susan Sarandon at her workplace w/ a rose and the Peter Gabriel song was playing in the background!

Check it out. It's a good family film.

DWTS addicts, you can see Tony Dovolani and Karina Smirnoff (Mario Lopez's girlfriend) in the movie. Tony was the obnoxious dancer in the competition and Karina was the girl that danced w/ Stanley T. at the studio.

Astaire & Rogers Collection, Vol. 1 (Top Hat / Swing Time / Follow the Fleet / Shall We Dance / The Barkleys of Broadway)

Average customer rating:

Astaire & Rogers Collection, Vol. 1 (Top Hat / Swing Time / Follow the Fleet / Shall We Dance / The Barkleys of Broadway
JAR
GREAT MOVIES!
the astaire collection volume 1
A Real Classic

Astaire & Rogers Collection, Vol. 1 (Top Hat / Swing Time / Follow the Fleet / Shall We Dance / The Barkleys of Broadway)
Starring: Fred Astaire , Ginger Rogers , Edward Everett Horton , Erik Rhodes , and Eric Blore
Director: Mark Sandrich , and George Stevens
Manufacturer: Turner Home Ent
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

General | Classics | Genres | DVD | Video

General | Drama | Genres | DVD | Video

Classics | Drama | Genres | DVD | Video

General | Musicals & Performing Arts | Genres | DVD | Video

Drama | Boxed Sets | Stores | DVD | Video

Musicals & Performing Arts | Boxed Sets | Stores | DVD | Video

Classics | Boxed Sets | Stores | DVD | Video

Romantic Comedies | Boxed Sets | Stores | DVD | Video

( A ) | Titles | Features | DVD | Video
Similar Items:

ASIN: B0009NSCR6
Release Date: 2005-08-16

Amazon.com

Fans of classic movie musicals will be in heaven with Astaire & Rogers Collection, Vol. 1, featuring the DVD debut of five films of Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers, the quintessential dancing duo. The two gems of the set are Top Hat (1935), generally considered their definitive movie, and Swing Time (1936), which many consider their most enjoyable. Follow the Fleet (1936), Shall We Dance (1937), and The Barkleys of Broadway (1949) fill out the set, each with its own charms.

Follow the Fleet

With a score by Irving Berlin, Top Hat is most famous for two numbers, Astaire's definitive tuxedo setting "Top Hat, White Tie, and Tails" and the feathery duet "Cheek to Cheek." But other joys include Astaire's "Fancy Free" declaration, "Isn't It a Lovely Day," and the grand finale "The Piccolino." Favorite musical moments in Swing Time include the set-piece "Pick Yourself Up," in which Rogers "teaches" Astaire to dance before they break into a spectacular number; the farewell ode "Never Gonna Dance," and the Oscar-winning "Just the Way You Look Tonight," from the team of Jerome Kern and Dorothy Fields.

Swing Time

Follow the Fleet changes the pace a bit, with Astaire playing a sailor, and it suffers from making him and Rogers the second-banana couple to the dull Randolph Scott and Harriet Hilliard. But it still has plenty of laughs and some classic Irving Berlin numbers, including "Let Yourself Go," which Rogers sings before she and Astaire compete in a dance contest; a Rogers solo tap number; "I'm Putting All My Eggs in One Basket," their best comic dance. The pièce de résistance is "Let's Face the Music and Dance," a show within a show in which the pair dons their customary evening formals. Effortlessly flowing from pantomime to song to dance, this sublime piece of storytelling is one of the series' defining moments. Shall We Dance has a complex plot that has Astaire and Rogers actually getting married before the final credits roll, and turns George and Ira Gershwin's brilliant "They Can't Take That Away from Me" into a heartbreaking ode. Other great songs include "Slap That Bass," "They All Laughed," and "Let's Call the Whole Thing Off," unforgettably performed on roller skates. The Barkleys of Broadway is the oddity, reuniting the stars 10 years after their last RKO picture when Judy Garland had to be replaced due to health problems. It's trademark MGM: splashy colors, Fred in a gimmicky solo number (playing sorcerer's apprentice to a line of unoccupied shoes), Oscar Levant providing his usual dynamic pianism and acerbic personality, and a score that is at its best when it borrows songs from a previous generation (including the big ballroom number set to "They Can't Take That Away from Me"). The film falls short of their best work, but serves as a fond remembrance of the most glorious partnership in film history. --David Horiuchi

Description

You'll Love The Way Fred and Ginger Look Tonight in the 5-film, 5-Disc Astaire and Rogers Collection Volume One, including the highly acclaimed Top Hat and Swing Time.

Customer Reviews:

Astaire & Rogers Collection, Vol. 1 (Top Hat / Swing Time / Follow the Fleet / Shall We Dance / The Barkleys of Broadway .......2007-07-25

Loved them all. Brings back memories of good times. Well worth the price in memories and escaping into the past if only momentarily.

JAR.......2007-05-15

I love Fred Astaire Movies, classic movies there's nothing like these type of movies. excellent....

GREAT MOVIES!.......2007-02-24

ARRIVED NEXT DAY I ORDERED THEM! VERY GOOD QUALITY OF MOVIES.

the astaire collection volume 1.......2007-02-20

Fred Astaire is unbeatable especially when paired with Ginger Rogers or Eleanor Powell. These are older films and of course not up to modern technical standards. However the charm and the eleghance and the excellence shine through- A must for a fan or collector.

A Real Classic.......2007-01-21

Very well done. A must have for anyone who loves the old films. Even my 10 year old son, enjoyed the dancing and singing. :-)

Average customer rating:

ROMANCE
Very good romantic comedy
Dreamcast for a dreamy movie
I just love it
Great Movie

Shall We Dance? (Full Screen Edition)
Starring: Richard Gere , Jennifer Lopez , Susan Sarandon , Lisa Ann Walter , and Stanley Tucci
Director: Peter Chelsom
Manufacturer: Miramax
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

General | Comedy | Genres | DVD | Video

General | Drama | Genres | DVD | Video

DVDs Under $7.49 | Today's Deals in DVD | Special Features | DVD | Video

( S ) | Titles | Features | DVD | Video
Similar Items:

ASIN: B0006GAI6O
Release Date: 2005-02-01

Amazon.com

Description

Customer Reviews:

ROMANCE.......2007-08-31

Very good romantic comedy.......2007-08-29

This is a good movie. The cast is varied and each fits his or her character. Very enjoyable with good music and ballroom dancing. It's a "light" romantic comedy/drama but worth owning.

Dreamcast for a dreamy movie.......2007-08-20

I just love it.......2007-08-12

Great Movie.......2007-08-06

Average customer rating:

Shall We Dance (1937)
This is their best picture together.
Fred, Ginger, Edward Everett Horton and Eric Blore
"They Can't Take That Away From Me"
Shall We Laugh?

Shall We Dance
Starring: Fred Astaire , Ginger Rogers , Edward Everett Horton , Eric Blore , and Jerome Cowan
Director: Mark Sandrich , and Friz Freleng
Manufacturer: Turner Home Ent
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

General | Comedy | Genres | DVD | Video

General | Drama | Genres | DVD | Video

General | Musicals & Performing Arts | Genres | DVD | Video

DVDs Under $9.99 | Today's Deals in DVD | Special Features | DVD | Video

( S ) | Titles | Features | DVD | Video
Similar Items:

ASIN: B0009NSCQC
Release Date: 2005-08-16

Amazon.com

The chemistry between Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers was still going strong in their seventh spin around the dance floor, Shall We Dance? And this time--amidst the usual improbable plot confusions and on-again, off-again flirting between the two--they were backed up by a song score provided by the matchless George and Ira Gershwin. Among the highlights are "They All Laughed," "Let's Call the Whole Thing Off," and the Oscar-nominated "They Can't Take That Away from Me." Director Mark Sandrich, the most frequent helmer of the Astaire-Rogers pictures (including Top Hat), creates a gleaming showcase for his stars. He also brings back two devilish character actors, Edward Everett Horton and Eric Blore, to repeat their support from previous outings. Ginger is kicky and fun; she was one of the few partners who didn't look intimidated onscreen by Astaire's incomparable dancing skills. Fred is in great form himself--so good you almost believe it when he pretends to be a Russian. --Robert Horton

Description

To keep musical-comedy star Linda Keene from retiring to marry, her manager Arthur Mille, suggests to the press that she's already married to Petrov, the ballet dancer. The two ultimately decide to marry so that they can have very public divorce and clear the air, but true love blossoms between them.

DVD Features:
Audio Commentary:Commentary by Kevin Cole and Hugh Martin
Featurette:They Can?t Take That Away from Me: The Music of Shall We Dance
Other:Musical Short Sheik to Sheik and Classic Cartoon Toy Town Hall

Customer Reviews:

Shall We Dance (1937).......2007-06-21

Seventh Astaire-Rogers outing finds the formula still fresh, aided by a tip-top Gershwin score (including "They Can't Take That Away From Me" and "Let's Call The Whole Thing Off"), and the return of series veterans Edward Everett Horton and Eric Blore, who, as always, supply delightful support. And just behold that dance on roller-skates!

This is their best picture together........2007-02-19

With Fred and Ginger joined by George and Ira... This is their best picture together.

We begin in Paris, where Fred is Petrov the "Russian" ballet dancer who is really Peter P Peters of Philadelphia PA. Ginger is Laura Keen, American musical dancing star. They meet because Fred has seen her picture and fallen in love with her. He calls but at that moment Ginger has had her fill of adoring male fans and it doesn't help matters that Pete puts on a fake Russian accent "("I must go to Moscow...") and manages to so disorient Ginger that she packs her bags and sets sail for America.

Edward Everett Horton, who is Fred's perfect comedic foil here as in others of their films, plays the ballet impresario Jeffery Baird--dithering and droll as ever. He and Fred book on the same ship as Ginger ("The Queen Anne") a deco delight of the seas with teardrop shaped windows and other streamlining that would make the Normandie and Isle de France blush. After a gangway encounter that does not go terribly well, Fred tries to make amends. At first Ginger is icy but as always, she begins to melt...

For a time, however, Fred more or less disappears and is AWOL from ballet rehearsals. That is because he loves modern music and to prove it we get "Slap that Bass" one of Fred's very best solo numbers, as he picks up the rhythms of the black combo and combines it with the sounds of the ship's engines to create what is a "look ma no hands!" kind of a tour de force tap dancing solo.

Also on board a lot of zaniness occurs as Fred, along with Ginger's manger named Arthur Miller (!), played by Jerome Cowan in one of his best rolls, fool Horton into thinking in one scene that he is seasick, and in another that the ship is on fire and in danger of sinking. Both are hilarious.

Back to the wooing, there was never such sophisticated courting music as George's captivating "Walking the Dog" (except perhaps for the similarly engaging incidental music by the pool in "The Philadelphia Story"). Fred woos Ginger by endearing himself to a passel of pooches, and her little dog, too.

Once he knows and she knows that they have fallen for one another he sings the marvelous "Beginners Luck" at the ship's rail. This is one of several moments in the film where they do not feel that they have to go into their dance in order to convey the meaning of the song. And it is a great introduction to one of the many Gershwin standards they introduce in this picture.

Confusion is rife however due to a ruse that Horton created to get a designing woman, former ballet dancer Denise AKA Lady Tarrington, off Fred's trail. Horton has said that Fred is married and Lady T. being a loose lipped kind of a gal buys the story and spreads the word. Everyone on two continents and on the liner jump to the not unlikely conclusion that the wife in question is Miss Keen. When word leaks out, Ginger leaves in a hurry, taking off in the mail plane, catapulted from the deck of the liner--way to travel!

Stateside, Horton and Eric Blore as the hotel manager get into a mistaken identity bit of dialogue that is priceless. Soon, Ginger introduces the wonderful "They All Laughed", wearing the only flawed gown in the film, what we here at home call The Amoeba Dress. She thinks she is done but Fred leaps up and tells the crowded night club that now he and she are going to dance together for the first time in public. Here is one of their "make it up as we go" numbers and from Ginger's first timid twist onward it works beautifully. They combine Fred's ballet steps with Ginger's Broadway hoofing and it all blends like a good cocktail.

One wishes that Ginger had switched out the wardrobe, however and worn the fringed gold lame dress she had on in Paris...

More confusion ensues...Poor hotel manager Blore keeps changing the locks on Fred and Ginger's adjoining suites as he wails, "Mrs. Petrov are you Miss Keen? Miss Keen are you Mrs. Petrov?" Hiding out from the paparazzi Ginger and Fred make for Central Park where they engage in the latest craze of roller skating to the witty and unforgettable Po-TAY-toe, Pa-TAH-toe song, "Let's Call the Whole Thing Off". This kind of dance novelty was one of Fred's fortes and they both are wonders on wheels.

In order to be able to stop the rumors they decided to get married in order to get divorced to prove that they aren't married--this is after all a screwball comedy, so they go to New Jersey to wed where Fred asks what the grounds are for divorce in this state and the Justice of the Peace answers, "Marriage." On the way home on the Ferry they get out of their marvelous car and Fred sings the lovely "They Can't Take That Away From Me". Ginger's eyes well with tears and we know that they are both deeply in love even as they are going ahead with their plan to divorce.

Papers need to be served and this winds Blore in jail where one of the funniest comic bits ever filmed occurs between him and Horton, its' appeal rivals the famous "Whose on First?"

The whole cast assembles for a review in which Ginger is not to appear, so Fred dances with Harriet Hocker who is flexible indeed while the rest of them engage in a shushing contest with the audience. Ginger is reunited with Fred when she sees that since he cannot dance with her, he is dancing with scores of girls with Ginger masks. The set is great, lots of mirrors that open and close and a lot of business with the masks until Fred finds the one and only dancer who is really Ginger, all of this to the peppy "Shall We Dance?"

Fred and Ginger have the last laugh and keep us smiling, too.

Yes, friends, this is another RKO Radio Picture.

Fred, Ginger, Edward Everett Horton and Eric Blore.......2006-08-21

"Shall We Dance" introduced some of the great Gershwin songs that more than half a century later were included in shows such as "Crazy for You." Not only are Fred and Ginger at the top of their form, but we also enjoy the great Edward Everett Horton at his double-taking best, and the under-rated Eric Blore at his supercilious-est. The "Slap that Bass" number epitomizes Hollywood's grudging recognition that Blacks possessed great talents, but these could not be shown in any scenes in which they were equal to Whites. The roller-skating scene is another classic, and according to some accounts, required some 150 takes to make it look so smooth.

"They Can't Take That Away From Me".......2005-09-04

The beloved "Shall We Dance" was the only Fred and Ginger film with songs from George and Ira Gershwin, and they were splendid. Songs like "They Can't Take That Away From Me" made for great entertainment when coupled with the opulent RKO sets in this Pandro S. Berman production. The lively tale of mix-ups and misunderstandings was from a screenplay by Allan Scott and Ernest Pagno, based on an adaptation by P.J. Wolfson of a story by Lee Loeb and Harold Buchman. Ginger's gowns by Irene were fabulous as always and Mark Sandrich once again took the helm.

On his stay in Paris, Pete (Fred Astaire), a famous ballet dancer also known as Petrov, wants to meet musical comedy star Linda Keene (Ginger Rogers), and in fact, would like to marry her! Pete and his pal Jeffrey (Edward Everett Horton) discover she's sailing on the S.S. Queen Anne and follow her. Pete uses a fake accent for a short time but is eventually found out, and finds out that dogs are the way to a girl's heart.

A wild story Jeffery told Lady Tarrington (Ketti Gallian) in Paris comes back to haunt Pete, as suddenly everyone on the cruise thinks he and Linda have been secretly married, and are going to have a baby! It's a bit much for Linda, who has sworn off reporters, and they decide to really get married, so they can get divorced. But it's too late for Linda, as she has fallen in love with the pursuing Pete, and there is a sadness as Pete sings "They Can't Take That Away From Me" on a ferry to Manhattan after it's all done. The tune was nominated as Best Song but lost the Oscar to "Sweet Leilani" from "Waikiki Wedding."

Hilarious moments in the film include Edward Everett Horton and Eric Blore in a "hushing" duel with ballet patrons, Horton and Jerome Cowan getting tight, with Horton getting ill afterward, and Fred convincing Horton that he's seasick, even though the water is perfectly calm. Blore ends up in jail for the second time in one of the couple's pictures and is once again a riot.

Ginger sings "They All Laughed" and she and Fred share a lovely dance that culminates with a smile, as the couple sit on a piano. A fun and famous scene has them on skates in the park, dancing to "Let's Call the Whole Thing Off." Fred's character Pete wants to dance with Linda all his life, but what's he to do when she won't consider it? Dance with images of her, that's what. A charming conclusion has Linda joining the other girls, but Pete can't figure out which is the real Linda. Will Linda say yes to Pete? If you are a fan of Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers you know the answer to that one!

Devoted fans of one of the most fondly remembered couples in screen history might be shocked to learn that during production, there were plans for this to be their final film. "Swing Time," their previous entry, now widely regarded by film historians, along with "Top Hat," as the zenith of their films together, had done huge box office business in large cities upon its initial release. But that business had quickly subsided and there were those at RKO who felt they had gone to the well once too often.

Fortunately for us, that theory was squashed, and we got to see the hilarious "Carefree" and the tender "The Story of Vernon and Irene Castle" before the couple said farewell. Again, fortunately, we don't have to say farewell, only "see you later," because we now have the ability to watch these wonderful films at home whenever we want. "Shall We Dance" is a charming reminder of a magic that passed this way only once, and something you'll want to capture forever by picking up a copy today.

Shall We Laugh?.......2005-08-29

This film is primarily a screwball comedy with dance and song numbers thrown in for good measure. The story concerns a ballet star(Fred Astaire) and a stage performer(Ginger Rogers) who may or may not be married depending on whom you ask. Given the celebrity of the two parties involved hijinks and scandal ensue. Both Fred and Ginger are in top comic form with their verbal sparring. Need we redundantly state that they dance together exquisitely. Good supporting cast includes the perpetually nervous Edward Everett Horton, the droll Eric Blore, and Jerome Cowan("The Maltese Falcon"). Good score by the Gershwin brothers. You do not hear much about this film in the annals of screwball comedy probably because the principals are known primarily for their dancing. Check this film out if you want to see a first rate comedy.

Average customer rating:

On VHS

Ballroom Dancing for Absolute Beginners
Starring: Ballroom Dancing for Absolute Beginners
Manufacturer: Bayview Films
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

General | Special Interests | Genres | DVD | Video

General | Educational | Genres | DVD | Video

General | Instructional | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music
Similar Items:

Product Features:

2 DVD set
Easy-to-Learn
Expert Instruction
Cinematic Shots
Practice Music CD Offer

ASIN: B000F8SA2C
Release Date: 2007-05-22

Product Description

Learn to for Fun, Fitness or Romance! Imagine being able to Waltz at a Wedding; Foxtrot to a live Jazz or Big Band; or even get up and Tango, Cha Cha or Salsa at a Latin Club. Absolute Beginners can finally cure their two left feet with simple and easy-to-learn instruction in the comfort of their own home. Learn from the champions: Robert Tang and Beverley Cayton-Tang are North American Professional Rising Star Standard Ballroom Champions. As Amateurs, they were also 3-time Canadian and 2-time North American Undefeated Amateur Standard Champions. Cure your two left feet. "For Absolute Beginners Ballroom Dancing" is a 2 DVD series that covers all the basic steps needed for any social dance situation and on any size floor. Series 1 features the Social Foxtrot, Waltz and Tango. Series 2 features Salsa, Cha Cha, Rumba and Jive/Swing. "For Absolute Beginners Ballroom Dancing" is the culmination of Robert & Beverley's popular group workshops which continue to sell out. Order by November 31st, 2006 and get a FREE "abfab" Ballroom Dancing Practice Music Audio CD!!!

Customer Reviews:

On VHS.......2007-04-09

I had this on VHS not too long ago. Buying the DVD for sure. It is great and I remember thinking it would be better to forward and reverse if it's on DVD. It is 2 DVDs so I don't think the price is bad considering the instruction was easy and informative.

Average customer rating:

A fantastic, easy to follow wedding resource

Preparing For Your Wedding Dance

Manufacturer: Shall We Dance
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

General | Special Interests | Genres | DVD | Video

( P ) | Titles | Features | DVD | Video

Special Interests | Independently Distributed | Stores | DVD | Video

Independently Distributed | Indie & Art House | Stores | DVD | Video
Similar Items:

ASIN: B0006SL1SG
Release Date: 2004-09-01

Customer Reviews:

A fantastic, easy to follow wedding resource.......2007-03-15

This is a terrific DVD which we have been using ahead of our wedding.

The instructors give really clear, easy to follow directions and pepper the DVD with really useful advice (e.g. which dances to choose if you have limited floor space at your reception, why you should practice in the shoes you will wear on the 'big night' and how to protect them, etc).

They show plenty of examples of the 'finished product'. However, we were not overwhelmed by it all as the DVD is set out really well and they spend a really good amount of time going over each of the techniques and steps. The techniques all seem very easy, but look great.

My fiancee and I have actually had a lot of fun with the DVD and it has been a great confidence booster for us and our dancing.

Shall We Dance DVD Authentic Region 1 Starring Fred Astaire & Ginger Rogers 1937

Average customer rating:

Shall We Dance DVD Authentic Region 1 Starring Fred Astaire & Ginger Rogers 1937

ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

Seven Brides for Seven Brothers

Product Features:

Starring: Fred Astaire, Ginger Rogers
Director: Mark Sandrich
Genre: Classics
Format: Full Screen ...
Awards: Academy Award® Nominee

ASIN: B000KYT26E

Product Description

Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers kick up their heels on an ocean liner in this musical. Ballet star Pete Peters (Astaire) is in love with celebrity Linda Keene (Rogers), and his infatuation leads him to set sail across the Atlantic. Unfortunately, he hardly knows her, but a little white lie results in everyone thinking the two stars are married. George and Ira Gershwin provide the musical score that includes "They Can't Take That Away from Me."

Average customer rating:

ROMANCE
Very good romantic comedy
Dreamcast for a dreamy movie
I just love it
Great Movie

Shall We Dance
Starring: Richard Gere , Jennifer Lopez , Susan Sarandon , Lisa Ann Walter , and Stanley Tucci
Director: Peter Chelsom
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

General | Comedy | Genres | DVD | Video

DVDs Under $14.99 | Today's Deals in DVD | Special Features | DVD | Video

( S ) | Titles | Features | DVD | Video
Similar Items:

ASIN: B0006Z2KLQ

Amazon.com

Customer Reviews:

ROMANCE.......2007-08-31

Very good romantic comedy.......2007-08-29

This is a good movie. The cast is varied and each fits his or her character. Very enjoyable with good music and ballroom dancing. It's a "light" romantic comedy/drama but worth owning.

Dreamcast for a dreamy movie.......2007-08-20

I just love it.......2007-08-12