 The characters reflect real life. Fred Astaire (qv) was indeed  considering retirement as his career was at a standstill, just like  his character in the movie. The characters played by  Nanette Fabray (qv) and Oscar Levant (qv) are based on the  films screenwriters, Betty Comden (qv) and Adolph Green (qv).  Jack Buchanan (I) (qv)s character is based on  José Ferrer (I) (qv), who at the time was producing four Broadway  shows and starring in a fifth.