Follow the Fleet (1936) in Color — Starring Fred Astaire & Ginger Rogers

Follow the Fleet (1936) – Buy This Classic Musical in Color

Experience the delightful Follow the Fleet (1936) in stunning colorized HD. Directed by Mark Sandrich, this sparkling musical comedy stars Fred Astaire as a sailor on shore leave who reconnects with his former dance partner (Ginger Rogers), now working as a singer in a waterfront dance hall, while his shipmate (Randolph Scott) falls for her shy, bookish sister (Harriet Hilliard). With a magnificent Irving Berlin score that includes the immortal “Let’s Face the Music and Dance” — one of the most hauntingly beautiful dance sequences in cinema history — along with “We Saw the Sea,” “Let Yourself Go,” and “I’m Putting All My Eggs in One Basket,” this is one of the most musically rich and emotionally satisfying entries in the legendary Astaire-Rogers partnership. The film perfectly balances exuberant comedy, genuine romantic feeling, and dance artistry of the highest order. Now available as a premium digital download for just €15.00 — DRM-free and yours to keep forever.

Plot Summary

Bake Baker (Fred Astaire) was once half of a successful dance team with the vivacious Sherry Martin, but he abandoned his career for reasons that become clearer as the story unfolds. Now he is an ordinary sailor in the U.S. Navy, and when his ship docks in San Francisco, he discovers that Sherry (Ginger Rogers) is working as a singer and dancer in a rough waterfront dance hall — a far cry from the glamorous stages they once shared.

Their reunion is complicated by unresolved feelings, bruised egos, and the kind of romantic sparring that only people who know each other too well can manage. Sherry wants Bake back — but she also wants him to acknowledge what he gave up and what he put her through by walking away from their partnership.

Meanwhile, Bake’s shipmate Bilge Smith (Randolph Scott) meets Sherry’s sister Connie (Harriet Hilliard), a quiet, academic young woman who hides her beauty behind spectacles and serious clothing. The transformation of the shy Connie into a confident, beautiful woman — accomplished with the help of a stunning new gown and the attention of a handsome sailor — provides the film’s secondary romance with genuine warmth and charm.

The two romantic storylines interweave with a subplot about salvaging an old ship that Connie needs for her financial security, creating opportunities for comedy, conflict, and the kind of communal effort that gives the film its generous, warm-hearted spirit. But the real glory of the film lies in its musical numbers — from the raucous energy of “Let Yourself Go” to the sublime emotional depth of “Let’s Face the Music and Dance,” performed by Astaire and Rogers in matching formal attire on an art deco set, in what many consider the greatest single dance sequence in cinema history.

Cast & Crew

Director: Mark Sandrich
Stars: Fred Astaire, Ginger Rogers, Randolph Scott, Harriet Hilliard, Astrid Allwyn, Betty Grable, Lucille Ball

Astaire and Rogers are at the peak of their powers — their dance chemistry producing sequences of breathtaking artistry and emotional power. Randolph Scott provides solid romantic leading-man support, while Harriet Hilliard (later Harriet Nelson of television’s Ozzie and Harriet) is charming in her transformation from wallflower to beauty. Look for young Betty Grable and Lucille Ball in small supporting roles, years before their own stardom.

Why Buy This Classic in Color?

The visual world of the film — the bustling San Francisco waterfront, the atmospheric dance hall with its neon and smoke, the elegant stages where Astaire and Rogers perform their masterpieces, the gleaming Naval vessels in the harbour — is magnificently enhanced through expert colorization. The gorgeous costumes, particularly the stunning gowns worn during “Let’s Face the Music and Dance,” gain extraordinary beauty and elegance in full colour. Now also available in colour. Own this magnificent musical for just €15.00 — where every step tells a story.

Historical Significance

Follow the Fleet was the fifth Astaire-Rogers film and features what many critics and dance historians consider their single greatest achievement: the “Let’s Face the Music and Dance” number. Irving Berlin’s magnificent score provided the duo with some of the finest musical material of their career, and the song “Let’s Face the Music and Dance” has become a standard of the American songbook. The film also provides fascinating early glimpses of future stars Betty Grable and Lucille Ball in small roles. The Navy setting reflected America’s growing awareness of military preparedness in the uncertain 1930s, while the film’s generous, optimistic spirit provided Depression-era audiences with hope and joy. Through colorization, this crowning achievement of the golden age musical has been preserved for modern audiences.

Technical Details

• Format: MP4 digital download
• Resolution: HD 720p
• Colorized: Yes – professionally colorized from the original black-and-white
• Audio: Original English mono soundtrack
• Runtime: Approximately 110 minutes
• DRM-free: Yes – no restrictions on playback
• Instant download: Available immediately after purchase
• Price: €15.00

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Movie-Specific Questions

Q: Is “Let’s Face the Music and Dance” really that special?
A: It is widely considered one of the greatest dance sequences ever filmed — a three-minute masterpiece that combines a haunting Irving Berlin melody with choreography of extraordinary emotional depth. It alone is worth the price of the entire film.

Q: How does this compare to other Astaire-Rogers musicals?
A: It ranks among the very best, distinguished by its exceptionally strong Irving Berlin score and the sheer variety of its musical numbers — from the exuberant comedy of “I’m Putting All My Eggs in One Basket” to the sublime artistry of “Let’s Face the Music and Dance.”

Q: Is the non-musical story entertaining?
A: Very. The dual romance plot is charming and well-constructed, and the cast — including the future stars in supporting roles — provides excellent entertainment between the musical highlights.

Digital Download Questions

Q: What format is the download?
A: The film is delivered as a high-quality MP4 file in 720p HD resolution, compatible with all major devices and media players.

Q: Is there DRM on this download?
A: No. The download is completely DRM-free, meaning you can watch it on any device without restrictions or expiration dates.

Q: How quickly can I watch after purchasing?
A: Your download link is available immediately after payment. You can start watching within minutes of completing your purchase.

Related Colorized Classics

• Top Hat (1935)
• Swing Time (1936)
• Shall We Dance (1937)
• The Gay Divorcee (1934)
• On the Beach (1959)