Fred and Ginger: The Astaire-Rogers Partnership 1934-1938 [Paperback]

Times Literary Supplement, 13th March 2009
Hyam's descriptions of the dances themselves, and her analysis of the way each one is filmed . . . [are] both illuminating and written with obvious affection . . . the success of [her] book lies in her great enthusiasm, the desire she instils in the reader to go back and enjoy it all once more.'

'Hyam's descriptions of the dances themselves, and her analysis of the way each one is filmed . . . [are] both illuminating and written with obvious affection . . . the success of [her] book lies in her great enthusiasm, the desire she instils in the reader to go back and enjoy it all once more.'

'Reading this book was a solid pleasure. I found [the author's] knowledge and enthusiasm quite infectious and would urge anyone with an interest in the Hollywood musical to add this to their collection. Not only is it highly readable, it's also a valuable source of (accurate) reference.'

'This book is quite unique in the Astaire library ... a must for film studies ... for once and for all [this book] has validated Fred and Ginger as the singular entity that they are. An extraordinary accomplishment.'

'I so enjoyed this book. It combines scholarship with readability. Hyam's attention to detail, her elegant commentary on all the nuances of the partnership and the RKO films are superb.'

'a detailed and accessible book that makes a wonderful re-introduction to the films and encourages one to go and see them again ... [will be] very useful to programmers and anyone wanting more than a superficial introduction to the films.'

'a very enjoyable read indeed. It's lively, intelligent, and perceptive.'

The partnership between Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers, which was born and reached its peak in the Hollywood musical of the 1930s, is one of the most enduringly popular ever to have graced the cinema screen. This important new study explores the series of seven films - from "The Gay Divorcee " in 1934 to "Carefree" in 1938 - that represent the quintessential 'Fred and Ginger'. Astaire and Rogers are most renowned for their peerless dance duets, but these constitute only a small proportion of the time they appeared on screen together. Their skills as performers and their remarkable rapport are equally apparent in their acting and singing, and in Fred and Ginger Hannah Hyam analyses all three aspects of their partnership in depth, illuminating the qualities that give it such timeless appeal. Distinguishing the seven 'Fred and Ginger' films from the three others that Astaire and Rogers made together, the book defines their characteristic features and assesses their relative merits, before going on to examine in detail the romantic partnership between Fred and Ginger as pursued in dialogue, song and dance throughout the series. Generously illustrated with choice black and white stills, Fred and Ginger will be welcomed not only by Astaire-Rogers enthusiasts and students of the genre but by all lovers of film and of true artistry in music and dance.

Hannah Hyam earns her living as a freelance copy-editor and (occasional) proof reader, specialising in academic, educational and literary texts. Fred and Ginger, her first published book, is purely a labour of love, inspired by a passionate appreciation of Astaire and Rogers and an abiding affection for their films.