The Barkleys of Broadway (1949)

60% of critics liked it
(10 reviews)
75% of users liked it
(2,378 ratings)

The Barkleys of Broadway became Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers' "reunion" picture purely by accident. Originally conceived as a follow-up to the successful Astaire-Judy Garland vehicle Easter Parade, Barkleys was to have starred Fred and Judy as a successful musical comedy team that breaks up when… More The Barkleys of Broadway became Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers' "reunion" picture purely by accident. Originally conceived as a follow-up to the successful Astaire-Judy Garland vehicle Easter Parade, Barkleys was to have starred Fred and Judy as a successful musical comedy team that breaks up when the female half decides to become a "serious" artist. Just before shooting started, Garland fell ill, Rogers replaced her, and the rest, as they say, is history. The script is as thin as a spider's web, a mere coat-rack upon which to hang several topnotch musical numbers. Fred and Ginger aren't quite as footloose and fancy-free as they were in their RKO heyday, but they still work together seamlessly. The film's highlights include "My One and Only Highland Fling," "You'd Be Hard to Replace," a reprise of "They Can't Take That Away From Me" (originally performed by Astaire and Rogers in Shall We Dance?), and Oscar Levant's keyboard rendition of "The Sabre Dance." The film's least memorable moment is the play-within-a-play wherein Rogers, cast as the young Sarah Bernhardt, passionately recites "The Marseillaise" as an audition piece! ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi

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Rating, Runtime: Unrated, 1 hr. 49 min.
Directed By: Charles Walters
Written By: Betty Comden, Adolph Green
Genres: Romance, Musical & Performing Arts, Classics, Comedy

In Theaters: Jan 1, 1949 Wide
On DVD: Aug 16, 2005
Studio: MGM Home Entertainment

Critic Reviews

Don Druker, Chicago Reader
It isn't very witty - although it's supposed to be - and it isn't really satire, in the sense of Singin' in the Rain or The Band Wagon.
Emanuel Levy, EmanuelLevy.Com
Though one of their weakest teaming, it's worth seeing this late (and last) Astaire-Rogers musical for historical reasons; Rogers replaced the ailing Judy Garland.
Steve Crum, Video-Reviewmaster.com
Astaire and Rogers last teaming, and full of wit, music, dance, and comedy.
Dennis Schwartz, Ozus' World Movie Reviews
It doesn't help that the music by Harry Warren and Ira Gershwin is slight.
Rory L. Aronsky, Film Threat
This is a weak reteaming, unfortunately, and it's the screenplay by Betty Comden and Adolph Green which does that.
Ken Hanke, Mountain Xpress (Asheville, NC)
It's Fred and Ginger and in color, but the movie's pretty bad.

Read all 6 critic reviews

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Featured Audience Ratings

Spencer S

The tenth and final in a long Rogers and Astaire saga, the Barkleys emphasize all the real life struggles of the pair: Rogers trying her hand at being a serious actress, the pair's unprecedented hospitality in their real life partnership, and the follies of show business.… More
The tenth and final in a long Rogers and Astaire saga, the Barkleys emphasize all the real life struggles of the pair: Rogers trying her hand at being a serious actress, the pair's unprecedented hospitality in their real life partnership, and the follies of show business. Including one of Rogers most dramatic and sensational turns, and a shoe stepping routine unheard of in musical theater, the Barkleys took Broadway and the film industry by storm.
Lanning :

A decade after their ninth and final film together, Rogers and Astaire were paired together again, thanks to a twist of fate. Although Judy Garland was originally cast to star opposite Fred Astaire, she became ill, and Ginger Rogers was tapped to replace her. <p> And as an… More
A decade after their ninth and final film together, Rogers and Astaire were paired together again, thanks to a twist of fate. Although Judy Garland was originally cast to star opposite Fred Astaire, she became ill, and Ginger Rogers was tapped to replace her. <p> And as an added bonus: Geez that Oscar Levant is a monster talent. The man appointed by George Gershwin to interpret his music, Levant proves again his musical and his acting ability. <p> For historical purposes, if for nothing else, this Rogers and Astaire tenth and final project together must be seen.

Cast

            Fred Astaire as John Barkley

            Ginger Rogers as Dinah Barkley

            Oscar Levant as Ezra Miller

            Billie Burke as Mrs. Livingston Belney

            Gale Robbins as Shirlene May

            Jacques François as Jacques Barredout

            George Zucco as The Judge

            Clinton Sundberg as Bert Felsher

            Inez Cooper as Pamela Driscoll

            Carol Brewster as Gloria Amboy

            Wilson Wood as Larry

            Jean Andren as First Woman

            Louis Austin as Guest in Theater Lobby

            Margaret Bert as Mary the Maid

            Betty Blythe as Guest in Theater Lobby

            George Boyce as Photographer

            Claire Carleton as Marie

            Hans Conried as Ladislaus Ladi

            Mimi Doyle as Actress

            Helen Eby-Rock as Sarah's Aunt

            Mary Jo Ellis as Clementine

            Frank Ferguson as Mr. Perkins

            Bess Flowers as Guest in Theater Lobby

            Sherry Hall as Chauffeur

            Mahlon Hamilton as Apartment Doorman

            Nolan Leary as Stage Doorman

            Wilbur Mack as Guest

            Joyce Mathews as Genevieve

            Forbes Murray as Guest in Theater Lobby

            Jack Rice as Ticket Man

            Reginald Simpson as Husband

            Esther Somers as Sarah's Mother

            Larry Steers as Guest

            Laura Treadwell as Second Woman

            Dee Turnell as Blonde

            Lillian West as Guest

            Melinda Wood Allen as Taxi Driver

            William Tannen as Doorman at Theater

            John Albright as Photographer

            Roger Moore as First Man
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