Roberta is musical picture-making at its best - fast, smart, good looking and tuneful.
80
TV Guide Magazine
TV Guide Magazine
Astaire and Rogers persistently upstage the romantic leads, Irene Dunne and Randolph Scott, and they simply fly, largely unburdened by the plot.
75
Chicago TribuneMichael Wilmington
Chicago TribuneMichael Wilmington
The musical evergreen, with Irene Dunne billed over Fred and Ginger. [03 Nov 2006, p.C5]
70
Los Angeles TimesKevin Thomas
Los Angeles TimesKevin Thomas
The trifling plot is overly talky, but all is forgiven when Dunne sings "Smoke Gets in Your Eyes" and "Lovely to Look At" and Astaire and Rogers go into action. [01 Dec 1986, p.2]
70
The Guardian
The Guardian
Scintillating partnership of Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers, here still in supporting roles (to Irene Dunne), gives substance to otherwise flimsy fashion-set musical. [04 Oct 1990]
There is pleasure in Astaire and Rogers floating, a foot apart, to “Smoke Gets in Your Eyes,” as well as the elaborate, heavily furred gowns that the fashion setting allows.
60
Chicago ReaderDave Kehr
Chicago ReaderDave Kehr
William A. Seiter directed this 1935 release, with a light touch but not enough style to transcend the machinations of the trifling plot.
50
Time Out
Time Out
Fred'n'Ginge fans won't need a nudge, but the uninitiated should start with almost any of their other movies.
40
Los Angeles Times
Los Angeles Times
This is a bore -- arch and unfunny 80% of the way. [26 May 1987, p.1]