Overview
A charming tale of love and dance unfolds in the vibrant streets of New York City.
Ember's analysis
- Pacing
- Brisk
- Intensity
- Moderate
- Complexity
- Easy to follow
- Violence
- None
- witty
- uplifting
- glamorous
- classic movie night
- date night
What critics said
Critics broadly regard Swing Time as a brilliantly choreographed and exceptionally charming Astaire-Rogers musical, despite some narrative padding.
What sets it apart
May contain story progression spoilers
Lucky and Penny's professional partnership drives the story, with extended choreographed sequences functioning as major emotional and narrative set pieces.
Lucky's unresolved attachment to Margaret and Penny's feelings for Ricardo obstruct the partnership's possible romance.
The film's acclaimed routines blend tap, modern dance, ballet, and ballroom forms, especially in Astaire and Rogers's partnered numbers.
Lucky must earn $25,000 before he is permitted to marry Margaret, turning romantic eligibility into a public test of competence.
Films like Swing Time, and why
Top Hat
classic romantic musical comedy centered on dazzling Astaire-Rogers-style dance partnership and romantic obstacles
The Gay Divorcee
1930s song-and-dance romance combining witty banter, elegant choreography, and glamorous theatrical performance
Shall We Dance
romantic musical comedy built around professional performers, mistaken circumstances, and elaborate dance numbers
Carefree
warm old-Hollywood musical romance featuring sophisticated choreography and a charming performance duo
Movie Details
- Director
- George Stevens
- Release Date
- 1936-08-28
- Runtime
- 103 min
- Rating
- 6.8 / 10 (259)
Cast
- Fred Astaire
- Ginger Rogers
- Victor Moore
- Helen Broderick
- Eric Blore
- Betty Furness
- Georges Metaxa
- Landers Stevens
- Jack Goode
- Gerald Hamer
Where to watch in United States
- Rent
- Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Fandango At Home
- Buy
- Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Fandango At Home
Streaming options come from TMDB and change over time.
Common questions
- What is Swing Time about?
- A charming New York dance partnership turns a gambler's marriage deadline into a dazzling test of romance, loyalty, and performance.
- What is Swing Time like to watch?
- Ember's analysis rates the pacing of Swing Time as brisk, its intensity as moderate and its storytelling as easy to follow.
- Is Swing Time violent?
- No — Ember's analysis finds no violence in Swing Time.
- What did critics think of Swing Time?
- Critics broadly regard Swing Time as a brilliantly choreographed and exceptionally charming Astaire-Rogers musical, despite some narrative padding.
- Which films are like Swing Time?
- Films with a similar feel include Top Hat, The Gay Divorcee, Shall We Dance, and Carefree.
- How long is Swing Time?
- Swing Time runs 103 minutes.
- Where can I watch Swing Time?
- In United States, Swing Time is available to rent or buy from Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Fandango At Home.
