On Top: Inside the Success of 'Top Hat'

This is one of the special features included on the DVD for "Top Hat"--one of the best musicals in Hollywood history. And, it's a 'making of' film that examines the film and reason for its success. To do this, it uses stills, film footage and quite a few interviews (with the likes of Fred Astaire's daughter as well as Leonard Maltin). Considering that the original film was made 70 years earlier, it's a very good short film--but you really can't help but wish a film like this had been made decades before--when the principles in the film were still alive and able to contribute. But, considering the difficulties of doing an examination of this older film, it worked well and really made me appreciate the artistry of "Top Hat". Well worth seeing.

Fred Astaire was probably at his best with his top hat, white tie and tails in this film. The special feature goes behind the scenes with interviews from Fred's daughter, Leonard Maltin, scholars and Braodway dancers. They marveled at Fred and Ginger's dance moves like dancing on air.