A Damsel in Distress

Temporary parting of the ways for Fred and Ginger, with Astaire (in hopes of avoiding comparisons) saddled with a non-dancing partner plus Burns & Allen for comic relief. Nicely directed but a bit on the twee side with its Wodehouse plot and mock Englishisms, the result would be questionable but for a rich Gershwin score. Though shackled to Fontaine for 'Things Are Looking Up', Astaire has some sparkling solos, notably the beautiful 'A Foggy Day' and his intermezzo with percussion instruments to 'Nice Work if You Can Get It'.