Rhythm in the Air

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Rhythm in the Air
Rhythm in the Air.jpg
Swedish poster
Directed by Arthur B. Woods
Written byJack Donohue
Vina de Vesci
Produced by Michael Balcon
Starring Jack Donohue
Tutta Rolf
Cinematography Roy Kellino
Music by Colin Wark (music director)
Distributed by Fox British
Release date
  • 1936 (1936)
Running time
72 minutes
CountryUnited Kingdom
LanguageEnglish

Rhythm in the Air is a 1936 British comedy dance film directed by Arthur B. Woods and starring husband and wife dance partners Jack Donohue and Tutta Rolf. [1] The film was a quota quickie production,[ citation needed ] written by Donohue and Vina de Vesci, and was reportedly[ citation needed ] largely autobiographical, as the events in the film closely mirrored Donohue own experience of coming to be a dancer.

Contents

Plot

Jack Donovan, a riveter working on the construction of a high-rise building, is distracted from his work by spying through a nearby window on a lissom young woman Mary as she rehearses her tap-dancing routines. When she finishes, he pauses to give the unsuspecting Mary an ovation of cheers and wolf-whistles, but in the process loses his balance and falls to the ground, breaking both ankles.

The sympathetic Mary, who witnessed his fall, later visits him in hospital. Finding him very attractive, she claims that as his bones start to mend, tap-dancing is a wonderful way to strengthen his muscles and joints. He laughs at the absurdity of the suggestion.

Fully recovered, Jack goes back to his job, only to find that he has developed a new and severe fear of heights and it is quite impossible to continue in his line of work. He meets up again with Mary, and now takes her up on her suggestion of learning to tap. He finds he has a natural aptitude, and soon takes up dancing professionally. The couple fall in love, and are soon married.

Cast

Reception

The Monthly Film Bulletin wrote: "The story (said to be based on Jack Donohue's life) is a pleasant trifle; the dialogue is not sparkling, but it has the merit of not being forced, and is spoken in a natural manner. The dancing, which is the mainstay of the picture, includes several well-staged ensembles as well as agile solo numbers, and serves to introduce some pleasant lyrics. The settings are best when they are frankly theatrical. Photography is competent throughout." [2]

Picturegoer wrote: "This picture will prove welcome to those who like tap-dancing, for Jack Donohue puts over some numbers which are on the Astaire level; actually he is the mainstay of an otherwise rather indifferent and thin story. There are some well-staged dance ensembles and Tutta Rolf puts up a sound performance as a wisecracking chorus girl. " [3]

Picture Show wrote: "An entertaining comedy romance has been made from the slender story of a riveter who finds fame as a dancer through breaking both his ankles. Jack Donohue and his wife, Tutta Rolf, give pleasant performances in the leading roles, and there are some well-staged dances." [4]

References

  1. ↑ "Rhythm in the Air". British Film Institute Collections Search. Retrieved 7 November 2025.
  2. ↑ "Rhythm in the Air". The Monthly Film Bulletin . 3 (25): 149. 1 January 1936. ProQuest   1305798855.
  3. ↑ "Rhythm in the Air". Picturegoer . 6: 26. 8 February 1937. ProQuest   1771124534.
  4. ↑ "Rhythm in the Air". Picture Show . 36 (928): 20. 6 February 1937.
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