My Top Ten Favorite Movies of 1937
10. Thoroughbreds Don't Cry
This little film, with a convoluted horse race plot, is mere entertainment fluff. Its real significance is that it was the first movie to co-star Mickey Rooney & Judy Garland. Rooney is hyper-energetic & Garland exhibits her wide-eyed exuberance; together they hint at much better films to come in the future.
9. Live, Love, and Learn
At first, the kooky tone of "Live, Love and Learn" seems like a put-on with no place to take its collection of carefree characters. But as the film progresses, the tone of the picture sneakily changes, and one sees it isn't all about cut-ups living the Bohemian lifestyle. This is one picture that promises something extra, and then delivers on that promise.
8. Something to Sing About
Although not as good as Yankee Doodle Dandy, this is still a nice picture. It's strictly fluff but Cagney gives a solid comedy/musical performance, and his dancing isn't half bad (what he lacked in grace he made up for in energy).
7. A Damsel in Distress
Not one of Fred Astaire's better films, but still enjoyable. Disregard the plot and enjoy Fred doing A Foggy Day and several other dances, one a duo with Joan Fontaine. The two numbers that Fred does with Burns and Allen are the high points of the film, and worth waiting for.
6. The Awful Truth
Cary Grant and Irene Dunne play an unhappily married couple who divorce only to discover they were happier married. Naturally they won't admit it. You can probably guess the rest (the story is ages old), but this movie is fantastic! The acting is great--Dunne and Grant are in top form and work beautifully together. The script is hilarious with many great lines and moves at a nice, quick pace.
5. Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs
Where would the animation world be without the humongous success of Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs? There must have been tremendous pressure on everyone involved in the making of Snow White, but they did not disappoint. The end result includes a timeless story, classic songs, and beautiful imagery that will live on for future generations to enjoy.
4. Lost Horizon
A fantasy filled film that shows the different facets of human nature. Beautifully conceived by Frank Capra who's brilliant at making films where sentimentality is the main force. The acting is excellent with everyone giving deep performances. Ronald Colman is great in the leading role!
3. A Day at the Races
Generally, A Day at the Races is considered a weak follow-up to A Night at the Opera, but even so it's still great! The ice cream bit still makes me laugh every time I watch it. The timing is incredible. The examination room bit with Harpo ("Either this man is dead or my watch has stopped") is equally amusing. There isn't a slow moment in the film.
2. Stage Door
A wonderful film, fresh & sparkling, in which the dialogue zips along with lighting speed including some great laugh-out-loud one-liners. What a wonderful script! Katherine Hepburn and Ginger Rogers play off of eachother really well in this charming movie.
1. Shall We Dance
One of the better films that Astaire and Rogers made and the only one with a score by George and Ira Gerswin. This film also has, in my opinion, the most unique dance that Fred & Ginger ever did, because it's on roller skates! Wonderful songs, wonderful dancing, what more could one want?