inspired by dennis potter's british TV series.
directed by herbert ross, steve martin learned tap dancing in six months in order to perform the role of a miserable song salesman in the depression who wants to believe in the lyrics of the songs he sells.
in the money scene in the bank, which is split horizontally at the very beginning.
superimposition in the 'pennies from heaven' dance - done very slowly in the rain against a backdrop of an old diner, which becomes a stage of shimmering gold and walker evan's photos of the era.
doubling with fred astaire & ginger rogers:
and the male stripper dance by Christopher walken on the bar is amazing, a great moment in American film.
and of course, just for reference, the great take-off on hopper's nighthawks.
