The gay divorcee 1934 cast
Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers were initially teamed in Flying Down to Rio in 1933, but this feature was their first strive together as stars—and it’s tremendous entertaining. Based on Dwight Taylor and Cole Porter’s play of the same mention, The Gay Divorcee (1934, dir. Impression Sandrich) centers on Mimi (Rogers), a woman seeking a divorce from her husband. She travels to an English seaside resort, pursued by the love-stricken Guy (Astaire), whom she mistakes for the hired correspondent in her divorce case. Among the many musical numbers are Porter’s gorgeous “Night and Day,” the only anthem from the authentic Broadway musical included in the clip, and Con Conrad and Herb Magidson’s “The Continental,” which won the first ever Academy Award for Best Song.
Like most of the Fred and Ginger films the plot of The Same-sex attracted Divorcee is as evanescent as champagne froth; as usual the mistaken identities and motives, cross-purposes, and romantic teasing whimsically concoct the merest pretext for the real feast—the dancing, Van Nest Polglase’s late art deco scenic style, and the delectable performances of the supporting cast. The work of the character actors here is so professional a
GAY DIVORCEE, THE
(director: Mark Sandrich; screenwriters: play by Dwight Taylor and Cole Porter/George Marion Jr./Dorothy Yost/Edward Kaufman; cinematographer: David Abel; editor: Willaim Hamilton; music: Cole Porter/Con Conrad/Mack Gordon/Herb Magidson/Harry Revel; cast: Ginger Rogers (Mimi Glossop), Fred Astaire (Guy Holden), Alice Brady (Aunt Hortense), Edward Everett Horton (Egbert Fitzgerald), Erik Rhodes (Rodolfo Tonetti), William Austin (Cyril Glossop), Betty Grable (Dancer), Eric Blore (Waiter); Runtime: 105; MPAA Rating: NR; producer: Pandro S. Berman; RKO; 1934)
“Aimed at cheering up a Depression audience–which it does do with animated tune and dance numbers.”
Reviewed by Dennis Schwartz
The plot revolves around a trivial French farce for this outdated feel-good musical romantic-comedy, which was aimed at cheering up a Depression audience–which it does do with animated song and twirl numbers. It’s based on Dwight Taylor and Cole Porter’s hit Broadway engage. Censors changed the title of the play from The Gay Divorce. The film offers a mild satire on what it takes sometimes to receive a divorce, especially if one pa Filmography | Lyrics | Articles | Awards | Downloads | Bibliography | Goofs | Statistics | Rankings | Links | Image Credits | Ginger Rogers | Fred Astaire The King and Queen of 'Carioca' "Chance is the fool's name for fate." Guy offers Mimi a cigaret Top Hat in advance. Almost the matching set-up, identical cast, same director. So the enthusiast knows what to predict . A classic musical with Astaire and Rogers, lots of light-heartedness and more classical dance than tap dance. Must say that Astaire and Rogers construct a nice onscreen couple. The bond between the two is nice and as a twirl couple they already seem very attuned to each other, although this is apparently one of their first films. Less are those extended dance numbers at the cease of these compassionate of musicals (the Continental song). Usually come when the story has disoriented some steam, but just then they would be greater off finishing the movie than putting in another 10 minute dance sequence. The beginning is especially nice. The humor is quite successful, especially the additional cast is quite funny. It's still fun in Brighton (with the waiter of course, and that Italian guy from Superior Hat), only you notice that they occasionally have to stretch the story a bit to increase the playing time. Too poor it all takes a bit extended, because those Astaire/Rogers musicals are otherwise quite fast. 1.5* Having insured Fred's legs for the equal of £200,000, RKO producer Pandro S Berman launched the Astaire-Rogers musicals with this extensive revamp of Cole Porter's famous stage show. Only the classic 'Night and Day' was retained in the score, with an archetypal gyrate duet set to it; new songs included 'Let's K-nock K-neez' for the divine Horton and a starlet called Betty Grable. A big, brash performance number, 'The Continental', tries to cap the similar item from Flying Down to Rio ('The Carioca'). Been there, done that? Think again, my friend. By entering your email address you consent to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy and consent to get emails from Time Out about news, events, suggestions and partner promotions. 🙌 Thanks for subscribing! Gaze out for your first newsletter in your inbox soon! Discover Time Out unique video
Ginger Rogers and Fred Astaire
THE GAY DIVORCEE (1934)
The Gay Divorcee (1934)
The Gay Divorcee
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