Adele Astaire Bunch and Judy" (1922), and then the Gershwin brothers' first Broadway collaboration "Lady, Be Good!", followed by their "Funny Face". Both were hits in America and in London. After Fred's success in Hollywood, Astaire gave consideration in 1935 to making a film, but ultimately declined the opportunity. She sang and recorded duets with Fred, George Vollaire and Bernard Clifton. While performing in England in 1927, Astaire had met Lord Charles Cavendish, the second son of His Grace The 9th Duke of Devonshire. When Charles visited her in the United States in 1929 the pair began courting. On March 5, 1932,
Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers his retirement. Due to their success as a partnership, Garland and Astaire were due to reunite for "The Barkleys of Broadway", but Garland was forced to drop out and Rogers took her place. The film, released in 1949, reunited Astaire and Rogers for their only movie for MGM and their only color film. During production, Astaire received an honorary Academy Award, which was presented to him by Rogers. This film was greeted with joy by critics, who were thrilled to see the partnership together once again. It was a success, earning a worldwide total of $5,421,000 on an estimated budget