Carefree

by Ari

Carefree is one of the lesser known and appreciated films in the Astaire/Rogers legacy. Their eighth collaboration followed the same formula established early on in films like The Gay Divorcee and Top Hat, with the glamorous duo falling in love and eventually defeating all obstacles in the way of their romance. The difference with Carefree is that instead of Fred Astaire chasing Ginger Rogers for her affection; Ginger Rogers chases Fred Astaire for his affection. And while most Astaire/Rogers musicals present the duo as professional dancers and upper-class citizens (except for Follow the Fleet), using every opportunity to burst into song and dance in order to please and entertain audiences, Carefree relies on screwball comedy for its amusements in favor of continuous, non-stop musical excursions. Which is not to say Carefree lacks in dance numbers and songs. The film contains four dances and numerous songs, including one of the finest set-pieces in Astaire and Rogers’ career. However, out of the four dances, only one of them is an extended sequence that displays their enormous talents. The other three are entertaining, but brief; less extravagant than what’s been done before, yet still graceful and memorable. One thing is certain: no matter how long or brief the numbers, the filmmakers tried their best to change the pace from previous efforts and present something fresher and original.

The film itself seems like an answer to criticisms aimed at the formula by audiences growing tired of the same old routines and scenarios. The overall focus on comedy separates it from the rest of their films, especially for Ginger Rogers, who gets to showcase her rather talented comedic abilities. Being the eighth film between the two stars, Carefree demonstrates how effortless their chemistry had become. Astaire and Rogers clearly enjoyed each other’s company, whether it involves singing, dancing, or simple conversation. None of these films are particularly deep or profound in terms of theme or character, but for sheer Hollywood entertainment, the pair was incomparable. There was genuine magic between Astaire and Rogers whenever they danced, something that can never be duplicated or outshined. Carefree was the last time they were so amusing and entertaining as young stars, before turning to drama in The Story of Vernon and Irene Castle and finally reuniting for one last film eleven years later with The Barkleys of Broadway. This is really the last of their classics, and in many ways a perfect conclusion to what they began in Flying Down to Rio. Carefree was, after all, the first film in which Astaire and Rogers actually kissed on-screen - something their fans eagerly awaited.

Astaire is Tony Flagg, a therapist who agrees to help his friend Stephen (Ralph Bellamy) in his relationship with the lovely Amanda Cooper (Rogers). Stephen wants to marry her, but Amanda is conflicted about the idea. So she agrees to meet Tony and sort out the issue. Their first encounter goes horribly wrong for Tony, but a connection between them obviously sparks. Eventually they fall in love, complicating matters for everyone. Tony resorts to hypnosis to fix the situation, only fouling things up even more and causing chaos for himself and the woman he loves. This concept allowed Rogers to give slapstick comedy a shot, and for the most part, she’s very funny. Several sequences are wonderfully over-the-top and silly, but Rogers manages to keep things light and fun no matter how excessive the demands of the character. After their first meeting ends unfavorably, Tony figures out a way to smooth things over between the two. He sings and dances! Who would’ve thought a boring, slightly irritable therapist could be so dashing? Ahhh, the joys of the studio-system era.

So Astaire does what he does best in a nifty solo number, which charms the girl even though she’s afraid to show it. A few sequences later she gets some sleep at Tony’s request, sending us into her dream and their first dance number together. What makes this sequence so effective is that it’s shot entirely in slow-motion. It’s beautiful and stylish, unlike anything in their previous films. Once Amanda realizes she’s in love with Tony, she does her best to win his affection. This mostly involves attempts at turning her dream into reality, and dancing with him. The major dance number takes place at a country club, and it’s truly a sight to behold. The filmmakers constructed a massive set for this piece, allowing Astaire and Rogers to swing and dance through the many rooms of the club. The sequence begins with Rogers singing “The Yam”, a solo number that was initially meant for both stars to perform together, but later revised when Astaire refused to sing it. The entire set-piece is sensational - easily one of the best of their careers.

For classic musical entertainment, Carefree is one of the greats.