Jed Potter looks back on a love triangle conducted over the course of years and between musical numbers. Dancer Jed loves showgirl Mary, who loves compulsive nightclub-opener Johnny, who can't stay committed to anything in life for very long.
Acting
Astaire's wounded dignity vs. Crosby's breezy charm.
Cinematography
Technicolor dreamscapes that age like fine champagne.
Practical Effects
Astaire's 'Puttin' on the Ritz'—firecracker precision, zero cuts.
Director
Stuart Heisler
Bing Crosby
Johnny Adams
Fred Astaire
Jed Potter
Joan Caulfield
Mary O'Hara
Billy De Wolfe
Tony
Olga San Juan
Nita Nova
Mikhail Rasumny
François
Frank Faylen
Mack
Victoria Horne
Martha (nurse)
Karolyn Grimes
Mary Elizabeth Adams
Jimmy Conlin
Jeffrey - Valet (uncredited)
John Deauville
Dancer (uncredited)
John Gallaudet
Stage Manager (uncredited)
Cliff Nazarro
Cliff - Piano Player (uncredited)
Rudolph Valentino
Valentino (archive footage) (uncredited)
Trivia, insights & behind the scenes
Astaire's 'Puttin' on the Ritz' number was shot in one continuous take—no editing tricks, just 31 years of practice.
The film marks Crosby and Astaire's final on-screen pairing, with Astaire reportedly furious that Crosby's laid-back persona kept winning the girl.
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