Ginger Rogers' top hat appearance remains one of Hollywood's most memorable costume moments, showcasing her versatility beyond traditional feminine roles. The 1936 film \"Follow the Fleet\" featured this groundbreaking sequence where Rogers donned a modified sailor outfit with a distinctive top hat, creating a visual statement that resonated throughout dance history.
The \"We Saw the Sea\" Dance Sequence
In \"Follow the Fleet,\" Rogers and Astaire performed the \"We Saw the Sea\" number aboard a ship's deck, with Rogers wearing a specially designed sailor costume that included a miniature top hat. Costume designer Bernard Newman created this unique ensemble, blending masculine and feminine elements in a way that was revolutionary for 1930s Hollywood. The top hat wasn't merely decorative—it became an integral part of the choreography, with Rogers incorporating it into complex dance moves that demonstrated her exceptional skill.
This performance occurred during a pivotal moment in Rogers' career, following her successful partnership with Astaire in \"Top Hat\" (1935)—a film where she actually didn't wear a top hat, despite the movie's title. The confusion between \"Top Hat\" and \"Follow the Fleet\" represents one of the most common misconceptions in classic film history.
Costume Design Significance
The top hat costume represented more than just visual flair—it symbolized Rogers' ability to master traditionally masculine dance elements while maintaining her signature elegance. Film historians note that this costume choice deliberately played with gender expectations of the era:
| Costume Element | Traditional Gender Association | Rogers' Interpretation |
|---|---|---|
| Sailor collar | Masculine | Softened with feminine tailoring |
| Miniature top hat | Strictly masculine | Integrated into graceful dance movements |
| Tailored trousers | Masculine | Paired with feminine blouse |
This deliberate blending of gendered costume elements allowed Rogers to showcase her technical dance proficiency while maintaining audience appeal—a balancing act that defined her partnership with Astaire.
Cultural Impact and Legacy
The top hat scene in \"Follow the Fleet\" influenced subsequent generations of performers by demonstrating that female dancers could command attention through technically demanding routines traditionally reserved for male performers. Rogers' ability to execute complex tap sequences while maintaining perfect posture—even with the top hat perched on her head—set new standards for female dancers in Hollywood.
Film preservationists note that this particular sequence survives in excellent condition, with multiple archival prints available through the Library of Congress and UCLA Film Archive. The costume itself, though not as famous as some of Rogers' other outfits, has been featured in several major Hollywood costume exhibitions, including the 2019 \"Dancing Through Time\" exhibit at the Academy Museum.
Common Misconceptions Clarified
Many assume Ginger Rogers wore a top hat in \"Top Hat\" (1935), but this is incorrect—the film's title refers to Astaire's character, and Rogers' costumes in that film were predominantly feminine evening wear. The confusion likely stems from the similar time period and the prominence of top hats in Astaire's solo numbers.
Another frequent error involves the \"Cheek to Cheek\" number from \"Top Hat\"—while Rogers wore a flowing dress in that famous sequence, no top hat appeared in her costume. The genuine top hat appearance belongs exclusively to the \"Follow the Fleet\" performance.
Where to View the Performance Today
Film enthusiasts can watch the complete \"We Saw the Sea\" sequence through several legitimate sources:
- The Criterion Collection's \"Follow the Fleet\" Blu-ray release (2021)
- Turner Classic Movies' scheduled broadcasts (check their programming calendar)
- The Internet Archive's public domain film collection (partial clips available)
- Academy Film Archive's research viewing facilities (by appointment)
When searching for authentic footage, look for the specific \"We Saw the Sea\" sequence featuring the ship's deck setting and nautical-themed costumes. Be cautious of mislabeled clips on video platforms that incorrectly attribute top hat scenes to other Rogers-Astaire films.
Frequently Asked Questions
Did Ginger Rogers wear a top hat in the film \"Top Hat\"?
No, Ginger Rogers did not wear a top hat in \"Top Hat\" (1935). Despite the film's title, Rogers' costumes were exclusively feminine evening wear. The top hat appearance occurred in the following year's film \"Follow the Fleet\" (1936) during the \"We Saw the Sea\" dance number.
What was the significance of Ginger Rogers wearing a top hat in \"Follow the Fleet\"?
The top hat costume represented a deliberate blending of masculine and feminine elements that allowed Rogers to showcase technical dance proficiency typically associated with male performers. This challenged 1930s gender norms by demonstrating that female dancers could master complex routines while maintaining elegance and grace.
Who designed Ginger Rogers' top hat costume for \"Follow the Fleet\"?
Bernard Newman designed the costume for \"Follow the Fleet.\" As RKO's head costume designer during this period, Newman created the modified sailor outfit with miniature top hat specifically for the \"We Saw the Sea\" dance sequence, blending traditional masculine naval elements with feminine tailoring.
Why do people confuse \"Top Hat\" with Ginger Rogers wearing a top hat?
The confusion stems from the similar time period (1935-1936) and the prominence of top hats in Fred Astaire's solo numbers in \"Top Hat.\" Since Astaire frequently wore top hats, many mistakenly assume Rogers did too. Additionally, the film titles \"Top Hat\" and \"Follow the Fleet\" both reference nautical themes, contributing to the mix-up.
Where can I watch the authentic top hat dance sequence today?
The complete \"We Saw the Sea\" sequence appears in the Criterion Collection's \"Follow the Fleet\" Blu-ray release (2021). It's also occasionally broadcast on Turner Classic Movies and available in partial clips through the Internet Archive's public domain collection. Be cautious of mislabeled videos that incorrectly attribute top hat scenes to other Rogers-Astaire films.
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