BEWARE--SPOILER AHEAD--READ AT YOUR OWN RISK

This film is one of the most unusual Astaire-Rogers musicals because for once the story is about a real couple, Vernon and Irene Castle--famous dancers in the early part of the 20th century. So we have a musical bio-pic, though in many other ways it's very similar to the rest of the films Astaire and Rogers made together. Once again, there are strong supporting comic players (Edna May Oliver and Walter Brennan) and plenty of ballroom-style and tap dancing. But what truly makes this different is that the film is forced to stick to the main facts about the people they are portraying, so there is no fairy tale happy ending, since Vernon was killed towards the end of WWI. Those who want the happy ending and demand the Astaire-Rogers formula remain intact will be disappointed, but I was actually pretty impressed that the story DIDN'T include some sort of sappy ending or ended on a cliché. While not a great film, the acting, dancing, direction and writing were just fine and I do respect the fact that it is not just the "same old story".

A lovely film in many ways. The Story of Vernon and Irene Castle looks classy, the costumes(Ginger's dresses are to die for) and sets are very sumptuous and the whole film is shot beautifully and with great care. The score is sensitive and fitting to the story, while the period songs are an absolute pleasure to hear(admittedly though the Yamma Yamma song is one that you can take or leave). The choreography dazzles and amuses in equal measure, bringing up fond memories of Fred and Ginger and the Castles. The script is on the most part well-meaning and intelligent with some nice wit too, though the double entendres in the Dutch cap scene did fall flat, and the story is wholly believable, nicely paced and has a powerful emotional impact, especially the poignant ending. Story-wise The Story of Vernon and Irene Castle contains easily the best story of any of Fred and Ginger's RKO films, which is saying a lot seeing as the story was always the least memorable component of their films and was overridden by everything else generally being so good. Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers' dancing is as always impeccable, while it is a slightly different style you see them do here there is the sense instead that they've been doing it for years. Both Fred and Ginger are cleverly cast, even if they don't look anything like Vernon and Irene Castle, and are wonderful in chemistry and individual performances, Ginger especially is incredibly touching. Walter Brennan is excellent too, funny and sympathetic, and Edna May Oliver equally impresses, she relishes her comic lines while also being touchingly restrained too. All in all, a really good film, the most underrated of Fred and Ginger's 9 RKO pictures and for this viewer one of their better ones too. They would team up 10 years later for the Barkleys of Broadway, which is still an enjoyable film but the weakest of their 10 overall outings together. 9/10 Bethany Cox

Here's one of those rare films that I like where there are no villains, just a nice, old-fashioned story with good people.

Of all the Fred Astaire-Ginger Rogers films, I would guess this gets the least amount of publicity and if that's true, it's a shame.

There are plenty of dance scenes in here. I prefer the tap dancing to ballroom, but that's just my personal tastes. The famous dancing duo are great with any style. I like Walter Brennan, so it's nice to see him in this film and it also was nice to see Edna May Oliver play a nice character, for a change.

The only complaint was the ending was so predictable. You see it coming a mile away. How true this story is, I can't say, but overall it's one of my favorite Astaire-Rogers movies. I am sorry it gets so little attention.