The Barkleys of Broadway
The Barkleys of Broadway

Movie spotlight

The Barkleys of Broadway

1949
Movie
108 min
English

Josh and Dinah Barkley are a successful musical-comedy team, known for their stormy but passionate relationship. Dinah feels overshadowed by Josh and limited by the lighthearted musical roles he directs her in. So she decides to stretch her skills by taking a role in a serious drama, directed by another man.

Insights

IMDb6.9/10
Rotten Tomatoes80%
Director: Charles WaltersGenres: Musical, Comedy, Romance

Plot Summary

Famous Broadway stars Joshua and Dinah Barkley's careers are jeopardized when Dinah is offered a dramatic role, leading her to believe Joshua is holding her back. While Joshua tries to keep their dance partnership alive, Dinah pursues her acting ambitions, causing a rift in their personal and professional lives. The film explores themes of artistic compromise and the challenges faced by established performers adapting to changing careers.

Critical Reception

The Barkleys of Broadway was a highly anticipated reunion of Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers, though it received a mixed reception. While critics praised the dancing and the chemistry between the stars, some found the plot to be weak and the overall tone less sophisticated than their earlier RKO collaborations. Audience reception was generally positive, enjoying the familiar Astaire-Rogers magic, but it did not reach the same iconic status as their 1930s films.

What Reviewers Say

  • Praised for the legendary dancing of Astaire and Rogers, their undeniable chemistry, and vibrant musical numbers.

  • Criticized for a contrived and somewhat flimsy plot that doesn't always live up to the stars' talents.

  • Considered a pleasant, if not groundbreaking, return for the iconic dance pair.

Google audience: Audience reviews highlight the joy of seeing Astaire and Rogers dance together again, with many appreciating the classic musical numbers and the stars' enduring charm. Some viewers found the story to be a bit dated or less compelling than their earlier films.

Awards & Accolades

None notable.

Fun Fact

This film marked the only time Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers starred together in a Technicolor production.

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TMDB Reviews

1 reviews
John Chard

John Chard

I find that girl completely resistible. The Barkleys of Broadway is directed by Charles Walters and written by Betty Comden and Adolph Green. It stars Fred Astaire, Ginger Rogers, Oscar Levant, Billie Burke, Gale Robbins and Jacques Fran...

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