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Poster for Swing Time

Swing Time

Seen it?

1936 | 103 min | Romance, Comedy

Sunday Safe Bet

Why it’s a Sunday Safe Bet

Critics loved it (93% on Rotten Tomatoes). A safe bet when you want something reliable.

Based on critics, audiences, awards, box office and buzz. Details below.

Is it for you?

Who'll love it
Made for romantics and anyone who wants a laugh. If you loved Top Hat or High Society, start here. Critics rate it higher than audiences do, so it rewards patience more than it chases thrills.
The mood
Light and funny, romantic.
The pace
Breezy, at 1 hr 43 min.
What might put you off
  • Made in 1936: an older pace and style.
  • Audiences were cooler on it than critics.

Lucky is tricked into missing his own wedding to Margaret and has to make $25,000 so her father will allow him to marry her. He and business partner Pop go to New York where they run into dancing instructor Penny. She and Lucky form a successful dance partnership, but romance is blighted by his old attachment to Margaret and hers for Ricky.

How it earned its rating

  • CriticsVery strong

    93% on Rotten Tomatoes, 91 on Metacritic

  • AudiencesSolid

    6.8 out of 10

  • AwardsSolid

    Won 1 Oscar: Academy Awards: Best Original Song.

  • Box office & staying powerSolid

    $3 million worldwide on a $886K budget; still draws a steady audience long after release

  • Buzz & cultural impactSolid

    About 45K people sought it out in the past year

Trailer

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Cast & crew

Directed by George Stevens

  • Fred AstaireLucky Garnett
  • Ginger RogersPenny Carrol
  • Victor MoorePop Cardetti
  • Helen BroderickMabel Anderson
  • Eric BloreGordon
  • Betty FurnessMargaret Watson
  • Georges MetaxaRicky Romero
  • Landers StevensJudge Watson (uncredited)
  • Jack GoodeDancer (uncredited)
  • Gerald HamerEric Lacanistram (uncredited)