Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers - They Can't Take That Away From Me

Clip from Shall We Dance 1937 with Fred singing 'They Can't Take That Away From Me' to Ginger followed by a clip from The Barkleys of Broadway 1949 where they dance (not included in this video is Fred singing the same number in 1949) to the music of They Can't Take That Away From Me, the opportunity to dance was missed in 1937 (and on that crowded ferry deck you could understand!) however such a mistake was this that the song was included in their final movie together and finally they danced to it proving that indeed the magic of Fred and Ginger can't be taken away from us

[@lanabudvarson2553]

I'm only 58 yrs. old but I love these movies and the music.

[@lb476]

I fell in love with Frederick Astaire in 1953, before I started school. It all started when mom had Sears deliver our first television. I guess you can say I was one of the first children whose mother used the TV as a babysitter device. I'm sad to say I had a chance to meet Mr. Astaire at the race track back in the 1970s, but couldn't get there in my broken down 1958 Ford Mercury. Now that I'm older than dirt, I still enjoy listening to Fred sing to Ginger. You're never going to see such talented people like those two stars again

[@dianekennedy8602]

I watched this with tears streaming down my face. I remember my father singing this song to me when I was a little girl; he died 17 years ago today. They just don't make movies like this anymore. So touching.

[@victoriadasilvabatista]

wow, how exciting and beautiful this story, my condolences for your father!

[@DavidM-tg1oy]

Diane Kennedy LOVEYA! "I watched this with tears streaming down my face".. "...they don't make movies like this anymore." Or movie performers! An observer after my own heart!

[@DaBadger354]

They don't songs like this anymore either.

[@lostandfound459]

Don't think they make father's like that anymore either. You should feel lucky. And as I a father myself..I think he would rather not have you cry. Remember him, celebrate him, honor him by treating your own family the way he treated you. But try not to cry.

[@sisterearthful]

I'm sad about your loss. I send you my blessings. My Beloved Father passed a couple of years ago and I still cry for him. He loved Ginger & Fred dancing and singing together. May they both Rest In Peace. 🙏🕊️

[@jeffreysalter3650]

Take Fred Astaire and Ginger Rodgers and add a Gershwin tune and you have a combination which will never be duplicated. One of life's pleasures.

[@thetoastedhippies1997]

I agree but I would add that Kern, Porter and Berlin were awfully good, too.

[@lanecountybigfooters5716]

George Gershwin introduced them, so this song has extra layers of meaning for them both. The only time Fred re-used a song and the only woman he sang it to, twice. Lovely.

[@maureen1938]

@@thetoastedhippies1997 THEY WERE ALL FABULOUS....SHEER MAGIC....TIMELESS..!!!

[@NealKanter]

Although Ginger didn't get credit it was her idea to use this Gershwin song cut out from a previous movie.

[@voicegirl555]

I love this song. I love all of George Gershwin's songs. He died 84 years ago today and left a treasure of songs that are still being sung today. Thank you Mr. Gershwin for this song and all the others.

[@carlaminafra3503]

Eu também! Muito fã de George Gershwin!❤

[@maureen1938]

GERSHWIN WAS A GENIUS. I LOVE HIS SONGS ...!!!!

[@moanamona]

Let’s not forget the lyricist, his brother, Ira Gershwin!

[@filipeferpe]

Good die young

[@humphreyblogut672]

A pair of geniuses interpreting the music of a pair of geniuses.

[@carolcaruso6641]

Im always amazed at how at ease and uncontrived Fred is when acting with and singing to Ginger, as compared to his other leading ladies. I think we're seeing something very special going on when we watch them.

[@andrewlord5615]

We always think of the dance routines, but here they are in their most romantic moment, just standing still. Perfect.

[@GeorgiaGirl123000]

Fred Astaire has such an elegant, expressive way of singing. Love his voice.

[@willowtree66]

I never realized how beautiful Ginger Rogers was until just now.

[@haroldwelch7483]

So graceful ,So elegant it just moves me to tears to see such beauty and elegance you don't see today

[@osocool1too]

Their on-screen chemistry was always evident and their dance moves were perfect, courtesy of Astaires’ insistence on rehearsing till they got it just right. Fred and Ginger were a unique coupling that may never be equaled.

[@melvyngreberman7096]

This is wonderful to see and hear again and àgain. ❤😊!!!

[@brit1958ian]

Magic moments .... the mixture of the mundane with the touching .... "the way you hold your knife" .... "the way you changed my life" .... then the close-up of Ginger and her tears .... how can anyone not be moved?

[@pauljung3534]

Well said (lovingly observed and felt).

[@sueamicone8760]

@@pauljung3534 1:21

[@ange9663]

Just wonderful, the way Fred looks at her at the end of the song as well. ❤️❤️❤️

[@AndyZach]

In the scene, I'm highly impressed with Ginger Rogers' acting, conveying sorrow without saying a word. Similarly, she conveyed great emotion while dancing with Fred.

[@harryplummer6356]

You are quite right. IMO a very underated and, my I say, underused dramatic actress. Cheers!

[@sandyedens9222]

All that style, grace...l wish it was back. So wonderful.

[@HOE68YEN]

Harry Plummer At least she won an Oscar for Kitty Foyle, more blessed than Barbara Stanwyck, Greta Garbo, Myrna Loy, Judy garland and many others.

[@ziggyfly04]

@@harryplummer6356 She would go on to win an Academy Award for best actress in a few years.

[@harryplummer6356]

@@ziggyfly04 iggy I know that but from what I have read elsewhere it was a tough road for her to get dramatic roles that's what I meant. IMO she had a lot of 'presence' as well as talent. Cheers!

[@AmatureAstronomer]

Fred had a number of dance partners, but only one Ginger.

[@photo161]

I can't take my eyes off of the ever so lovely Ginger Rogers as she listens to Astaire's love song to her. With those high beautiful eyes and so vulnerable countenance, you see her feelings, her thoughts as they gently play across her face

[@1psoas9]

She had a big range as an actress. Never better, maybe, than when listening to him sing.

[@allisonyoung4285]

No one did music and romance better than Ginger and Fred.💃🕺💌

[@dtlfc3032]

Not even Kermit and Miss Piggy?😊

[@sjbass26]

@@dtlfc3032a close second!!

[@arthurleng1500]

One of the most beautiful and moving moments in movie history and those were real tears from Ginger, no glycerine.

[@jamespfitz]

Now how could you possibly know that?

[@oliverdottie]

I grew up watching Fred and Ginger with my mom. We loved watching them dance and I still do. Moms not around anymore but I still watch them with her.

[@davidbertrand895]

The 'thirties musicals will never be equaled. The music and the settings.

[@judyfargo8162]

They were so graceful and talented, and the music is lovely.

[@badeneunson9628]

The choreography in the colorized section is just magical- they seem to spiral around each other in ways that seem impossible- not just dance, but more thrilling than most ballets I’ve seen...a pas de deux for the ages

[@chattyroz2934]

It's not colorized. It's Technicolor, from the Barclays of Broadway a dozen years after Shall We Dance in which, for some reason, they didn't dance to it.

[@shesaknitter]

So true. And so well-stated. "Magical" is absolutely the word for what they were able to do.

[@haroldbregman2102]

It doesn't get any better than Fred & Ginger

[@juneliang119]

Fred Astaire demonstrates the best dance gestures as the gentleman. He leads the dance and makes the lady comfortable in his arm while he watches the lady and responds to her all the time. That is not easy to design all the dance steps and gestures like that. He is world-famous artist.

[@johnnybeanz1296]

June Liang how true! Well said!

[@markberryhill2715]

Exactly. I'm almost 60 and kind of a late arrival to the game,but now I see what all the fuss was about with them two. I always remember seeing them all over TV as a kid and didn't really appreciate how great they really were til now.

[@petertaylor3600]

They said he couldn't sing. He had the perfect voice to sell these beautiful lyrics by Gershwin, Porter and Berlin, etc. He was totally unique.

[@petertaylor3600]

One short-sighted producer said he couldn't sing. But of course he could. Not Tosca but the beautiful sensitive lyrics and music of Gershwin. Perfectly. There was only ever one Fred Astaire. Irreplaceable.

[@googlefan7409]

And he could sing sooooooo great

[@uintaj]

The popular singer, Mel Torme, once said that Fred Astaire was his favorite singer, so that is high praise.

[@abrahamian92]

Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers dance to Armenian music

[@edsable]

P

[@apollonia6656]

Beautiful, elegant, romantic ....classic. I wished for more Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers after this, their last film. No, I am not old enough to have seen their films at the cinema but I do have all their DVDs and endlessly watch them. Unique act.

[@sibkiss2009]

Fred sang some of the most memorable songs and danced like a dream. Funny too.

[@jimmerzz47]

One of the greatest songs ever written.

[@misr91]

the classic films of this era were EMOTIONAL EXPERIENCES for the audience... they weren't meant to necessarily be based on 'real life' (like most of today's films) these films were an 'ESCAPE'... often from the harshness of poverty & life generally of those times... transported the viewer to another soulful place... JUST BEAUTIFUL )))

[@nickthorkelson9114]

These clips seemed pretty real to me.

[@susislickermouse]

LOVE, LOVE, LOVE Fred Astaire and the way he could interpret a song....I particularly love this song!

[@emilyvogt66]

Fred's intense expression when he looks at Ginger at 5:30...oh, wow. 🥰

[@LPD15ponce]

Fred and Ginger,...incredible talent and a joy to watch, and always will be!

[@beachgirl1947]

George Gershwin is..and will always be my favourite composer. What he could have achieved had he not been taken so young.

[@coolbeans7216]

Fred Astaire was so perfect!! his voice is so gorgeous!!

[@stevehinnenkamp5625]

Incomparable lyrics and music. Incomparable performers. Neither is to be found nowadays.

[@henry8smallwood]

Try singing like Astaire and you'll soon discover what beautiful tones and phrasing came out of that man. One of the best at delivering a romantic ballad.

[@johnheppenstall4904]

Absolutely agree. He really could put a 'swoon' into a song.

[@sherilynn]

My fave Fred song

[@Hibernicus1968]

Irving Berlin and Jerome Kern both rated Astaire (respectively) at at or above the level of any other singer as an interpreter of their songs. Cole Porter and Johnny Mercer also greatly admired his ability to interpret their songs. Probably the most critical of Astaire's singing, among the great songwriters, was George Gerschwin, who wrote this song. Astaire may not have had the vocal range or some of the other attributes of the all time greats, but he had fantastic tone, enunciation, musical phrasing, and he just had a great instinct for the way to interpret a given song.

[@petertaylor3600]

I've tried, henry8smallwood, honestly I have. But it didn't work. However, that might be because I'm not a man.

[@petertaylor3600]

Yes, he was. And in a time when leading men had to look like Clark Gable. Well, he didn't quite but he didn't have to. As for looks, he did nicely, thank you, with something....it was, I think, Dorothy Parker or somebody like, who said..."He gave Ginger class, she gave him sex"

[@MrMusicguyma]

Great song by the Gershwins. Fred had one of the most recognizable and most "effective" voices ever. Perfectly suited to this song. Whenever I think of this song, no matter how many great singers I hear sing it, Fred voice is "always, always" the voice I hear in my head ;)

[@markberryhill2715]

For me it's Sinatra, but this is a close second. And Sinatra didn't have Ginger. (That sounds like something Frank would say)

[@BELCAN57]

Actors like these don't exist anymore.

[@imsocuteimsorich4952]

I love all fred🎩+ginger 👗👠👠Rogers movies,I'm 55 my friend who's 46 laughs at me and says that old fashioned crap ud think u were 💯 years old,why can't you be a normal person ,and get into proper today's music 😂😂😂,I just ignore her +say you rave on +I'll tap on,bk to me they don't make films with talent like this anymore pity,r,I,p,Mr tapper +feathers ginger ,the way you dance keeps my spirits high +makes me forget my problems, because that's entertainment ,👠👠👗🎩😘💯👍👍👍👍👍all the way from me 👍👍👍💙🐦🌈💟😘

[@horsluva0758]

Elegance, Grace, Class .... nothing can compare

[@marlybeske3053]

Hey!...you read his book. I just finished it. I'm 81 yrs young and just getting tuned into Fred, and consequently, Ginger. What i'v missed...but, better late than never. Thank goodness for youtube and getting to see these old, but goodies.

[@katandbaby]

I've read his autobiography and many other biographies on him, Astaire Dancing:The Musical Films by John Mueller is a favourite

[@Rzr543]

I don’t care for musicals but I will watch Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers all day and night, over and over. I can’t stop smiling watching their movies. Just beautiful.

[@mrboyban]

How the heck the planet went downhill from this? This might have been truly a brilliant time to be around.

[@goldngirl1958]

I'm watching Shall We Dance - this is one of my favorite parts. I love how Fred Astaire sings this!

[@MsHighHorse]

One of the most romantic songs of ALL time!

[@potdog1000]

my thoughts exactly

[@pnutbutrncrackers]

Couldn't agree more. "Bittersweet" in the most elegant sense that word ever carried.

[@danielanderson2324]

Yes it is.

[@lindarosswelsh4069]

ihe greatest ever...... never to return....there will never be anything like themever in this century.......the greatest........xxxx

[@glenngallup5163]

The way you changed my life. What a lyric.

[@antg007]

Damn, he was smooth.

[@jasonsennett4116]

BET YOU WISH YOU HAD SOME OF THAT SKILL AND TALENT. I DO.

[@scorpioninblue]

As smooth as silk! He was the epitome of masculine grace!

[@roberttreborable]

@@jasonsennett4116 Don't we all Jason, Don't we all....

[@alpha1dcd]

I have watched videos of Fred dancing and swear there is a layer of air between his feet and the floor. He was smooth in so many ways - the very definition of class act. We could all probably learn something from his polite demeanor.

[@xaviar321]

Let's face it. These days we don't have anything even CLOSE to these guys. There's no shame in admitting that!

[@chattyroz2934]

In general terms I agree with you, but Fred Astaire is a special case. There's never been anyone else like him, then or now.

[@maureen1938]

FABULoUS...TIMELESS....THIS MUSIC WILL GO ON FOREVER.....SHEER MAGIC...!!!!

[@photo161]

Ginger's acting when dancing is as much in character and as believable and appealing as it is when not. This is an attribute of her's which contributed so much to their success as a team in movies and is something that none of Fred's other partner had.

[@treesny]

Very well put! The dance numbers in their films were always a continuation of the relationship they had established in the dialogue scenes and songs, which is one reason why their films together are still so satisfying, despite the (deliberately) lightweight stories. When Astaire dances with Rita Hayworth, we see the pleasure of two "dancers first and foremost" performers working together at an incredibly high level; when he tap-dances with Eleanor Powell, we see him enjoying the challenge of the one partner who might actually exhaust his stamina; but when he and Ginger Rogers dance together, whether it's a romantic or comic number - and she was great at both - we see two human beings connecting through movement.

[@ojgemdata744]

Exactly I am glad someone else had this observation.

[@pauljung3534]

@@treesny Well observed/described/in- sighted/appreciated - by you too (and all other commentators/fans/lovers present).

[@richardgornalle4536]

Great song, great on screen couple, great staging. Great all round. Love this clip.

[@carlosacevedo8530]

They'll never be another Ginger and Fred! Thank you God, for them!!

[@williamrubinstein3442]

Probably the greatest lyrics to any song. If they were in a poem it would be regarded as a great classic poem.

[@esmeephillips5888]

Ira was on his brother's wavelength all right.

[@deedhc1647]

They were magic together!

[@brendanwoods9927]

How elegant and enduring is this song and dancing. Class all the way and timeless.

[@margylenhard3521]

Oh my god....goosebumps.

[@SpeegBJ]

Yes, I cry too, like Ginger....with this most beautiful Astaire/Rogers rendition of this gorgeous Gershwin tune. Top Ten for why moving images reproduction was created.

[@henriettahenson]

Know body has ever come close to fred @ginger pure genious....perfection glad to have see it in my life time !!!

[@catherinemagee5327]

This song spans generations in my family from my grandchildren all the way back to their great great grandmother. "They can't take (any of) that away from me.". Nor can anyone take Ginger and Fred away, ever.

[@JohnLeGear]

Simply outstanding...lovely pairing. Thank you.

[@lorraineslopek5798]

Me too. It stuck with me my whole life. It kind of became the story of my life! It's true no matter what you lose, you always have the good moments clear in memory to keep you going forward. ❤

[@potdog1000]

her look as he sings change a good scene to a great one perfect

[@esmeephillips5888]

Absolutely. Ginger was the best re-actress of her time.

[@JML272]

Beautiful and timeless.

[@chrisj.plamondon1828]

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Masterpiece! Fred's song and Ginger's face were both incredibly beautiful! George and Ira Gershwins' melody and lyrics were completely enchanting!❤❤

[@mikekarren5010]

According to Wikipedia the only Oscar nomination Gershwin bros. received was for this song. Their comedy musical drama "Girl Crazy" received the first ever Pulitzer Prize for drama! George died the year this movie was made. Some think unnecessarily thanks to quack doctors that performed malpractice brain surgery! What was the world denied because of that! One the greatest musical genius the world ever knew gone at 38!

[@williammacey3674]

Where would Fred be without the beauty and charm of Ginger. What a dancer she was.

[@tombasye1016]

And Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers Both Of Them, Will Always, No Matter. How Many More Years Ahead, They Will Always Be Remembered. 100%

[@christopherbowen2547]

Superb song Ginger Fred. I adore her.

[@bonanzajoe]

One more thing, Fred Astaire wasn't a dancer - he was the dance!

[@flashflame4952]

My mom turned me onto all of Fred and Ginger's movies. Been a fan ever since. The music and their dancing is beyond fantastic...

[@JoJo-ie8sl]

Makes me cry everytime. No words for what this does to me.

[@jyankowsky]

Just beautiful

[@OfficialVertigoBand]

its heart-breaking to think that this was one of the last songs George Gershwin wrote before he died. many of his songs written in 1937 (such as this one) became standards after his untimely death. just think what he could have done had he lived. also, Fred sings this perfectly, I cant believe he didn't like his singing voice! rip George 1898-1937and Fred 1899-1987

[@OfficialVertigoBand]

***** good to know that Spain also recognises the talent of Gershwin! thanks for your comment!

[@scj6693]

Eurig Islwyn Morgan He’s saying “imagine what other work he fould have made!” His work here isn’t bad, but he wishes we could have heard more of Gershwin’s mind.

[@esmeephillips5888]

There is a great poignancy behind this number. The Astaires, Fred and Adele, had known the Gershwins since their vaudeville days and had presented George's and Ira's scores on Broadway, but George did not write seriously for Hollywood until hired for 'Shall We Dance'. Fred and Ginger felt that 'They Can't Take That Away from Me' had been thrown away by the studio- it should have had a dance to follow the song- so they made amends when reunited at Metro for 'The Barkleys of Broadway'. It is said that George's last coherent words on his deathbed were about Fred. After 12 years the proper tribute was paid to America's greatest composer by Hollywood's greatest star.

[@petertaylor3600]

Because you don't hear yourself. In recordings he would be aware but maybe it was just that he wanted to sing like Bing (or something). But, he was always very critical of his work, so it would figure.

[@mikehopkins4040]

He couldn't half dance as well as if I needed to tell you.

[@pnutbutrncrackers]

Heartbreakingly beautiful song (and scene in the first part). "Bittersweet" in the most elegant of senses.

[@Oldgittom]

Superb! Grace, poignancy & elegiac memory, all in a neat package.

[@colinbryan8265]

When Fred starts singing, you find yourself sort of dancing round the living room or kitchen to the melody. Nothing like him of course, but who’s to see you!

[@wallisthescot6544]

Outstanding

[@DavidJones-qw9jl]

Hauntingly beautiful scene,

[@benmichelson6387]

I swoon every time I watch this and think of a special lady who was my life

[@tuckfrump24]

A quintessential American tune written by a couple of first generation American guys, truly an American story

[@helenlebretton7652]

I love them" they inspired me as a child and still do now, I watch them every day. Excellent"

[@heliaalves9062]

I would like this a million times, if I could.

[@ObservingtheObvious]

I’ve always enjoyed Fred n Ginger. Even in vehicles without each other. But; that dance from the Barkley’s was outstanding. Haven’t seen all that film. Thanks for bringing it to view.

[@jacksprat3009]

Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers create the high point of American grace, strength and courage with style flowing along like a summer breeze punctuated with glorious gusts of rhythm between them. Will we ever reach such beautiful heights again...?

[@TruSciencePro]

This makes my heart warm

[@davidsweeney4021]

My Mom & Dad , both RIP very sadly, often sang this and they could sing or refer to the film. I need to watch it as I have only seen clips

[@frankhoffman3566]

When I watch Fred Astaire dance, I feel like my entire generation wasted itself on its ridiculous wiggling around on the dance floor. He was precise, elegant and he flowed with such ease one could almost imagine imitating him. But of course we couldn't. Musically, I think my generation contributed a lot. As for dancing, my generation looked stupid and those ''dancing'' today still look stupid. We need a new Fred to inspire us to great dancing.

[@suem6004]

Difference is that Fred had professional choreographer, spent 6 weeks rehearsing, a costume department, many many takes to make it look this good. Fred Astaire was actually shy and awkward to dance socially. Johnny Carson plead with Fred to have a dance with Johnny's wife as a treat. Fred hemmed and hawed and was clearly uncomfortable dancing socially. Fred felt much more comfortable with choreography and rehearsals. That said, he made it look effortless and spontaneous which makes him a master. Master's make everything look easy and spontaneous but tens and thousands of hours are behind it.

[@RosaRamirez-tj2xx]

Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers will forever reign in my heart as the most beautiful and romantic ever! May the Lord God cherish these two beautiful souls!

[@beverlysuttonlawrence3468]

Hundreds of excellent vocalists have done covers of this Gershwin song ... but none come close - not even Ella or Billie - to quite the perfect inflection of Fred's voice, for this song ...

[@johnnywilliams6166]

The most romantic moment in movie history.

[@followthefleet1]

This is the very meaning of the word "classic".

[@potdog1000]

got it in one

[@followthefleet1]

Great. Hannah Hyam says that their in their last dance, in 1949 in "Barclay's of Broadway" to this song, Rogers was stiff, had a different body, and generally considered it inferior to her other dances with Astaire. I respectfully disagree. There is some discomfort in the older Rogers, but you don't see it unless you stop frame the dance, as Hyam typically admits she does. This is an obsessive way to look at dance....and by the way Astaire mocked it. Nonetheless, "Shall We Dance" would have been much better, if the dance was done on the ferry.

[@potdog1000]

the expression on her face to the line he was singing summed it up perfectly & she was gorgeous

[@followthefleet1]

Yup...And in real life according to none other than George Gershwin she did sing a little off key sometimes. It was a private joke that got into the lyrics. All in good humor, for she was a knockout, canny actress who knew exactly how to react to Fred. They were dynamite together.

[@potdog1000]

thanks for that but I'd forgive her anything a timeless beauty with talent

[@robbiechandler7858]

This is and will always be the best version

[@paulorobertolacerdacosta9893]

love Ginger and Fred, always!

[@thomaslapare9137]

I'm glad, it is nice to know that we both love Fred and ginger!

[@normaflint1490]

I have lots of Fred pics on my wall near my computer. He is my favourite!

[@mikenaughton4298]

Thanks for sharing this. Great dancing and, Ginger is gorgeous.

[@johannarocho3040]

Could never get tired watching them!