The History of RKO Studios: Home to Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers' Iconic Films

RKO Studios, formally known as RKO Radio Pictures, was one of the Big Five studios of Hollywood’s Golden Age. Founded in the late 1920s, RKO played a pivotal role in shaping American cinema, producing some of the most iconic films and nurturing legendary talents. Among its many achievements, the studio is particularly renowned for the magical on-screen partnership of Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers. This blog will explore the rich history of RKO Studios, highlighting its significant contributions to the film industry and the timeless legacy of the Astaire-Rogers musicals.

The Birth of RKO Studios

RKO Studios was born out of a merger between the Radio Corporation of America (RCA), the Keith-Albee-Orpheum (KAO) theater chain, and the Film Booking Offices of America (FBO) in 1928. This union aimed to create a company that controlled production, distribution, and exhibition, a common practice among major studios at the time. The result was RKO Radio Pictures, a studio that quickly rose to prominence in Hollywood.

The Early Years: 1928-1933

In its early years, RKO produced a mix of genres, including dramas, comedies, and musicals. The studio was known for its technical innovation, particularly in sound recording, thanks to its affiliation with RCA. One of RKO’s first major successes was the production of the groundbreaking musical Cimarron (1931), which won the Academy Award for Best Picture.

However, the early 1930s were also a period of financial instability for RKO. The Great Depression had a significant impact on the film industry, and RKO struggled to find its footing. Despite these challenges, the studio continued to produce notable films, including King Kong (1933), a groundbreaking achievement in storytelling and special effects by Linwood Dunn (who also worked on Cimarron).

The Astaire-Rogers Era: 1933-1939

The arrival of Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers marked a turning point for RKO Studios. Their partnership began with the film Flying Down to Rio (1933), where they played supporting roles. Their dance number in the film stole the show, captivating audiences with their chemistry and charisma. Recognizing their potential, RKO quickly paired them in a series of musicals that would become some of the studio’s most beloved and enduring productions.

Flying Down to Rio (1933)

Although Astaire and Rogers were not the leads in Flying Down to Rio, their dance routine to the song "The Carioca" was a standout moment. This film set the stage for their future collaborations and showcased their undeniable screen presence.

The Gay Divorcee (1934)

Their first film as the main stars, The Gay Divorcee, was a major success. Featuring the classic song "The Continental," which won the first Academy Award for Best Original Song, the film solidified Astaire and Rogers as Hollywood’s premier dance duo. Their elegant dance routines and charming performances delighted audiences and critics alike.

Top Hat (1935)

Top Hat is perhaps the most famous of the Astaire-Rogers films and is in the Library of Congress’s National Film Registry. The movie featured iconic songs by Irving Berlin, including "Cheek to Cheek." The dance sequence for this song, with Rogers’ feathered gown and Astaire’s impeccable tuxedo, remains one of the most memorable moments in film history. Top Hat was a box office hit and is considered one of the greatest musicals of all time.

Swing Time (1936)

Swing Time continued the duo’s success, featuring songs by Jerome Kern, including "The Way You Look Tonight," which won the Academy Award for Best Original Song. The film’s dance routines, including the intricate "Bojangles of Harlem" number, showcased Astaire’s innovative choreography and Rogers’ graceful execution.

Shall We Dance (1937)

In Shall We Dance, Astaire and Rogers explored themes of mistaken identity and romantic entanglements, all set to the music of George and Ira Gershwin. The film included memorable numbers such as "They All Laughed" and "Let’s Call the Whole Thing Off," performed on roller skates, demonstrating the duo’s versatility and creativity.

Other Notable Films

Astaire and Rogers starred in a total of nine films together at RKO, each contributing to their legendary status. Other notable titles include Follow the Fleet (1936), Carefree (1938), and The Story of Vernon and Irene Castle (1939). Each film further cemented their reputation as the epitome of elegance and sophistication in Hollywood musicals.

RKO’s Golden Years: 1940-1950

The 1940s were a period of significant artistic achievement for RKO. The studio produced a diverse array of films, from film noir to literary adaptations, and continued to push the boundaries of cinematic storytelling.

Citizen Kane (1941)

One of RKO’s most significant contributions to film history is Citizen Kane, directed by and starring Orson Welles. Often regarded as the greatest film ever made, Citizen Kane was a technical and narrative marvel, pioneering new techniques in cinematography, sound, and special effects. Despite its initial lukewarm reception at the box office, the film’s critical acclaim has only grown over the decades.

Suspense and Film Noir

RKO was a major player in the film noir genre, producing classics such as Out of the Past (1947) and The Stranger (1946). These films were characterized by their moody cinematography, complex characters, and dark, brooding atmosphere. RKO’s film noirs were instrumental in defining the genre and continue to be studied and admired by film scholars and enthusiasts.

The RKO Palace Theater in New York City

The RKO Palace Theater in New York City, initially opened in 1913 as the Palace Theatre, quickly became the pinnacle of the vaudeville circuit, hosting some of the biggest names in entertainment, including Fred Astaire, Judy Garland, and Bob Hope. Acquired by RKO (Radio-Keith-Orpheum) in 1929, the theater transitioned into a cinema, showcasing films alongside its vaudeville acts. However, the advent of television and changing entertainment tastes led to a decline in vaudeville, and the theater closed as a traditional venue in 1966. It was later renovated and continues to operate as a Broadway theater, preserving its legacy as a cultural landmark.

The RKO Palace Theater in Albany, New York

The RKO Palace Theater in Albany, New York, opened in 1931, is another notable venue in the RKO chain. Designed by the renowned architect John Eberson, the Albany Palace Theater featured lavish interiors and a grandiose design, epitomizing the opulence of the movie palaces of the era. It became a premier destination for moviegoers and live performances in the capital region. Despite facing the same challenges as many other theaters with the rise of television, the Albany Palace Theater managed to survive and thrive. It underwent significant restorations and today serves as a multipurpose performing arts center, hosting concerts, film screenings, and community events.

The RKO Palace Theater in Rochester, New York

The RKO Palace Theater in Rochester, New York, also designed by John Eberson, opened its doors in 1928. Like its counterparts, the Rochester Palace was a luxurious venue that featured both vaudeville acts and motion pictures, making it a central part of the city's cultural life. The theater was known for its atmospheric design, which transported audiences to a fantastical environment. Over the years, the Rochester Palace Theater faced competition from other forms of entertainment but remained a beloved local institution. Although it no longer operates as a theater, its legacy lives on through the memories of those who experienced its grandeur.

Decline and Closure: 1950-1959

Despite its artistic successes, RKO faced significant financial difficulties in the late 1940s and 1950s. The studio struggled with management changes, labor disputes, and competition from television. Howard Hughes’ acquisition of RKO in 1948 brought further instability, as his erratic management style and focus on personal projects diverted resources away from the studio’s core operations.

By the mid-1950s, RKO was in serious decline. The studio ceased production in 1957, and its assets were sold off. The RKO name briefly resurfaced in the 1980s and 1990s through various revival efforts, but it never regained its former glory.

Although RKO ceased to exist as a major studio, its legacy endures through its groundbreaking films and the legendary talents it nurtured. The studio’s contributions to the art of cinema, particularly in the realms of musical film and film noir, have left a lasting impact on the industry.

Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers: RKO Icons

The films of Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers remain some of RKO’s most cherished productions. Their partnership not only defined an era of Hollywood musicals but also set a standard for on-screen chemistry and dance excellence that has yet to be surpassed. The elegance, innovation, and joy they brought to their performances continue to captivate audiences, ensuring that their legacy, and that of RKO Studios, endures.

RKO Studios may have had a relatively short lifespan compared to other major studios, but its impact on the film industry is immeasurable. From its early successes in the 1930s to its artistic triumphs in the 1940s, RKO consistently pushed the boundaries of what cinema could achieve.