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Movies / On DVD / A Damsel in Distress
A Damsel in Distress

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A Damsel in Distress (1937)

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Reviews Counted: 4 Fresh: 3  Rotten:1 Average Rating: N/A

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The Tomatometer measures the percentage of positive reviews from Approved Tomatometer Critics for a certain movie.[-]

Runtime: 1 hr 41 mins

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 Castle, the staff are taking bets on the love life of young Lady Alyce Marshmorton (Joan... 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]

Genre: Musical & Performing Arts

Starring: Fred Astaire, George Burns, Gracie Allen, Joan Fontaine, Reginald Gardiner

Director: George Stevens
Screenwriter: Ernest Pagano
Story: P.G. Wodehouse
Producer: Pandro S. Berman

DVD Info

Release:

Nov 5, 1996

[DVD Details]

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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.

Full Review | comment Comment
01/26/06
Tom Milne
Time Out
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N/A

Burns and Allen were imported to balance her lack of humor; their presence is certainly welcome, and their work with Astaire is surprisingly effective.

Full Review | comment Comment
01/01/00
Dave Kehr
Chicago Reader
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C+

An Astaire dancing pic without Rogers is like a ham on rye without mustard.

Full Review | comment Comment
02/22/07
Dennis Schwartz
Ozus' World Movie Reviews
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George and Ira Gershwin probably turned out more first-rate popular songs than any of their competitors, including Irving Berlin.

Full Review | comment Comment
03/31/02
Alan Vanneman
Bright Lights Film Journal
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3/4

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.

Full Review | comment Comment
11/13/07
TV Guide's Movie Guide

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12/06/05
Classic Film Guide
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