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Born to Dance Reviews

1936
1 hr 45 mins
Music
NR

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In his only musical, James Stewart (who warbles "Easy to Love") plays a sailor on leave in New York City, where he falls for an aspiring Broadway singer. Cole Porter's "I've Got You Under My Skin" (sung by Virginia Bruce) was nominated for a Best Song Oscar, but lost to "The Way You Look Tonight" from "Swing Time."

A bare-bones script concerning the romance between high-spirited hoofer Powell and shy boy Stewart is merely used as a foundation for some outstanding song-and-dance work in this film. Powell, in her first lead role, firmly established herself as one of the premier talents of the 1930s MGM musical. Although she is not remembered as well as Ginger Rogers, Powell's unpretentious charm combined with her dazzling tap work make her one of the most delightful musical personalities in film history. Ebsen is, as always, a simple pleasure, and Stewart does a fine job, although his crooning leaves a lot be be desired. He soon realized that the musical was not his forte. The Cole Porter score is amazing and includes the wonderful "I've Got You Under My Skin," which was nominated for an Oscar for Best Song. The dance number "Swingin' the Jinx" was also nominated for Best Dance Direction.