Nicely directed but a bit on the twee side with its Wodehouse plot and mock Englishisms, the result would be questionable but for a rich Gershwin score.
A Damsel in Distress (1937)
Tomatometer
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Reviews Counted:4
Fresh:3
Rotten:1
Average Rating:N/A
Runtime: 1 hr 41 mins
Genre: Musical & Performing Arts
Synopsis: Fred Astaire's first RKO film without Ginger Rogers, this musical version of P.G. Wodehouse's novel features some of the last songs written by George Gershwin before his death. At palatial Totleigh... Fred Astaire's first RKO film without Ginger Rogers, this musical version of P.G. Wodehouse's novel features some of the last songs written by George Gershwin before his death. At palatial Totleigh Castle, the staff are taking bets on the love life of young Lady Alyce Marshmorton (Joan Fontaine). In order to collect on his wager, Albert (Harry Watson), one of the servants, forges a billet doux from Alyce to American musical comedy star Jerry Halliday (Astaire), who she's met only briefly, while in London. Halliday accepts it at face value, and heads for Totleigh Castle with his publicist George (George Burns) and stenographer Gracie (Gracie Allen). Alyce, who is being kept on a short leash by her aunt, Lady Caroline (Constance Collier), and who is actually in love with an American skier, is taken aback by Jerry's sudden arrival. Lord John (Montagu Love), unaware of his daughter's secret passion, has taken a shine to Jerry, and helps the entertainer in his campaign to win the affections of his daughter. A highly entertaining film, including such Gershwin classics as "I Can't be Bothered Now," "Nice Work if You Can Get It," and "A Foggy Day in London Town." [More]
Starring: Fred Astaire, George Burns, Gracie Allen, Joan Fontaine
Starring: Fred Astaire, George Burns, Gracie Allen, Joan Fontaine, Reginald Gardiner, Ray Noble, Constance Collier, Montagu Love, Harry Watson, Jan Duggan
Director: George Stevens
Director: George Stevens
Screenwriter: Ernest Pagano
Story: P.G. Wodehouse
Producer: Pandro S. Berman
Reviews for A Damsel in Distress
Burns and Allen are reliably funny and display more than passing hoofing abilities, and Montague Love and Reginald Gardiner are properly pompous in their aristocratic roles.
An Astaire dancing pic without Rogers is like a ham on rye without mustard.
Burns and Allen were imported to balance her lack of humor; their presence is certainly welcome, and their work with Astaire is surprisingly effective.
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