Customer Reviews

Born to Dance [VHS]

5 star:		(10)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

If ever a person was truly "born to dance," it was Eleanor Powell--the first of MGM's great dancing stars and a performer still considered by many to be the single finest tap dancer to emerge from Hollywood. And with the 1936 film BORN TO DANCE, MGM offered Powell the single finest film of her entire career. Although extremely lightweight, the story of three sailors and their romantic complications has a very playful tone and witty script--which forms the perfect frame for a memorable score by the celebrated Cole Porter. The musical numbers are staged with a more subtle flash than one normally finds in 1930s musicals, and there are several complex ensemble numbers and the memorable "Easy to Love" and "I've Got You Under My Skin."

Not only was Powell a greatly gifted dancer, she was a clever commedian with a pleasing singing voice, and her playful performing style is particularly charming in such numbers as "Rap-Tap on Wood" and "Swinging the Jinx Away." Her leading man, somewhat surprisingly, is none other than James Stewart--and although he wasn't really a singer or a dancer he does extremely well with both, and he and Powell make a very entertaining couple. The entire cast is their equal, with Phil Silvers and Una Merkle amusing as bickering lovers, Buddy Ebsen demonstrating his remarkable talents as both eccentric dancer and clever comic, and Virginia Bruce the perfect femme fatale. Everything about the film sparkes and shines, right down from the sets to the polished performances. If you enjoy classic musicals of the 1930s, BORN TO DANCE is a must have! Strongly recommended.

This was a great film. Yes, the story is a little corny, but it was from the 30's and times were different, and who cares anyway? Eleanor Powell is great in this film and her dancing is amazing. I lost track of how many turns she managed in the final scenes - they were awe inspiring. I wish that Eleanor and Gene Kelly had made a musical together because I know it would've been terrific. Both James Stewart and Buddy Ebsen were adorable when they were young. Buddy's style was pretty amusing and I enjoyed watching him dance. This film was a real treat and I would watch it again any time!!!

James Stewart is a wonderful actor. After watching this movie with him and Eleanor Powell I found him to be a very good dancer and singer. He has a wonderful voice. It is a great all around good movie. Also, have to give credit to a young Buddy Ebson and the whole cast. It didn't surprise me to hear James Stewart sing, because I have collected a lot of his movies and found that there isn't to much that this man can not do. If you want a great entertaining old movie without the special effects they use nowadays then this is the movie I would HIGHLY recommend. If a movie has James Stewart in it then it is worth having!!!

Eleanor Powell was as great a dancer as Fred Astaire, but unfortunately she is not as well-remembered. Astaire himself said she was better than him. The dancing in the battleship scene at the end of the movie is too brilliant for words. I also say you must see the cake dance in "Rosalie", and the heavenly duet with Astaire in "Broadway Melody of 1940".

One of the greatest scenes in any film - James Stewart, the legendary westerner serenading Eleanor Powell. I saw this film on TV years ago, but erased the video of it. If anyone knows where to get a VHS UK compatible copy I would be really grateful. 1st class entertinment - it is surprising how good Stewart's voice actually is.

This movie is just great fun. True, it is typical Depression-era escapism, but it has a certain pre-WWII innocence, and a certain Gilbert-and-Sullivan flavor to it.

It's interesting to hear Jimmy Steward singing. Most of the time he's not bad, but he couldn't quite pull off "Easy to love." That's actually not surprising; that's not an easy song. And if you don't believe me, you try singing it sometime. What's amazing is that Eleanor Powell did so well with it--in addition to being an amazing dancer, she was quite a good singer, although it's true that she did sound a little ragged in some of her later pictures.

Anyway, it's a great example of the MGM movie-musical, and Powell was an absolutely amazing dancer. So watch it and enjoy!

Forget the story, although there is funny dialogue as well as situations, nice supporting work from Buddy Ebsen and Jimmy Stewart, as well as Una Merkel. Eleanor is a decent, not great, actress, but her fabulous girl-next-door dancing is as sexy as anything on film. The finale with Eleanor is spectacular, as is everything she does. This film is a real gem for lovers of musicals (and Eleanor Powell).

Just burned this movie to DVD off the TCM channel - had not seen the film in a number of years. Out of curiosity I was reading the Amazon reviews, and must protest against the one written by Maliejandra - please ignore this post - Powell was a sensational dancer (and one of the best female 'hoofers' in the movies of the time, if not all time?) - don't miss her movies (not that many were made); of course, in the Depression era of the '30s, the reasons for making movies were quite different from now, so avoid trying to get involved in 'stories & plots' - enjoy the music, dancing, and the entertainment - that's what these were made for at that time - if you cannot 'beam back' to the 1930s, then just avoid these films.

Eleanor Powell can do no wrong, and she does all right in 'Born To Dance'.
A Terrific Musical from the magical MGM Musicals factory.
The VHS tape is OK and the laserdisc is fine, but this should be on DVD by now.
Hurry Up Warners!

Yes. That's right. He uses his own voice too and does it quite well. I like this picture a lot.