A Damsel in Distress (1937)

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]