The gay divorcee 1934 cast
Ginger Rogers and Fred Astaire
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THE GAY DIVORCEE (1934)The King and Queen of 'Carioca'
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"Chance is the fool's name for fate." Guy offers Mimi a cigaret Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers were initially teamed in Flying Down to Rio in 1933, but this feature was their first effort together as stars—and it’s tremendous fun. Based on Dwight Taylor and Cole Porter’s play of the same name, The Gay Divorcee (1934, dir. Mark Sandrich) centers on Mimi (Rogers), a gal 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 tune from the original Broadway musical included in the film, 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 Gay Divorcee is as evanescent as champagne froth; as usual the mistaken identities and motives, cross-purposes, and intimate banter whimsically concoct the merest pretext for the real feast—the dancing, Van Nest Polglase’s late art deco scenic design, and the delectable performances of the supporting cast. The work of the nature actors here is so expert a GAY DIVORCEE, THE (director: Notice Sandrich; screenwriters: participate 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 carry out 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 Reviewed by Dennis Schwartz The plot revolves around a trivial French farce for this outdated feel-good musical romantic-comedy, which was aimed at cheering up a Depression audience–which it does do with animated song and gyrate numbers. It’s based on Dwight Taylor and Cole Porter’s hit Broadway participate. Censors changed the title of the play from The Gay Divorce. The film offers a mild satire on what it takes sometimes to acquire a divorce, especially if one pa Top Hat in advance. Almost the same set-up, identical cast, same director. So the enthusiast knows what to expect. A classic musical with Astaire and Rogers, lots of light-heartedness and more classical dance than tap dance. Must utter that Astaire and Rogers make a nice onscreen couple. The chemistry between the two is pleasant and as a sway couple they already come across very attuned to each other, although this is apparently one of their first films. Less are those extended dance numbers at the end of these kind of musicals (the Continental song). Usually come when the story has lost some steam, but just then they would be better off finishing the movie than putting in another 10 minute dance sequence. The beginning is especially gentle . The humor is quite successful, especially the additional cast is quite humorous. It's still fun in Brighton (with the waiter of course, and that Italian guy from Highest Hat), only you perceive that they occasionally possess to stretch the story a bit to grow the playing time. Too bad it all takes a bit long, because those Astaire/Rogers musicals are otherwise quite fast. 1.5* Having insured Fred's legs for the equivalent of £200,000, RKO producer Pandro S Berman launched the Astaire-Rogers musicals with this extensive revamp of Cole Porter's celebrated stage show. Only the classic 'Night and Day' was retained in the score, with an archetypal dance duet set to it; new songs included 'Let's K-nock K-neez' for the holy Horton and a starlet called Betty Grable. A massive , brash production 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 agree to our Terms of Employ and Privacy Policy and consent to receive emails from Time Out about news, events, proposals and partner promotions. 🙌 Thanks for subscribing! Look out for your first newsletter in your inbox soon! Discover Period Out original video |