A Damsel in Distress (1937 film)

A damsel in distress (English A Damsel in Distress ) is an American musical comedy film from the year 1937. The screenplay is based on the novel by co-author PG Wodehouse. The film was produced by RKO. It is the first film with Fred Astaire without his previous partner Ginger Rogers.

Action

The love life of Lady Alyce Marshmorton is the basis of gossip among the staff of Totleigh Castle. At a wedding of Lady bets are made, which are initiated by majordomo Beggs. The young servant Alfred faking to win his bet, a love letter from Alyce to the musical star Jerry Halliday, the Alyce met in London. Jerry believes in love insurance in the letter. With his biographer George and Gracie stenographer Jerry travels from London to the estate of Marshmortons. Alyce, who is in love with an American skier is guarded by its old-fashioned Aunt Caroline. Alyce is irritated by Jerry's arrival and his Liebesbezeigungen. With the help of Lord John, the father of Alyce, Jerry can lure them to a Mardi Gras celebration. He wins her heart.

Beggs has money set to Reggie, the somewhat naive stepson of Lady Caroline. He forces Albert to exchange bets. In revenge for Albert Alyce shows a newspaper article that leaves out about Jerry's affairs. Alyce is injured and tells Jerry at a ball the end of their relationship with you. Again, Lord John himself uses for Jerry. As Reggie also makes Gracie advances to Alyce can but convince true of Jerry's love for them.

Reviews

The lexicon of the International film about the film: "Dance and music film entirely on tailored to Fred Astaire. Widely sweeping, humorous entertainment that offers few but successful Astaire solos. "

Dave Kehr of the " Chicago Reader" particularly praises the actors, the work of Burns and Allen was amazingly effective with Astaire.

Awards

1938 the film in the former category of Best Dance Director (Hermes Pan) was awarded the Oscar. In the category Best Art Direction ( B / W) Carroll Clark was nominated for an Oscar.

Background

The U.S. premiere took place on 19 November 1937. In Germany the film was first published on 8 August 1985 in a television version of the ZDF.

With an estimated budget of just over one million U.S. dollars, the film grossed a worldwide about 1.5 million U.S. dollars.

In a small supporting role Jack Carson is seen.

Almost all the film songs were composed by Ira Gershwin (text) and George Gershwin ( melody). These included " I Can not Be Bothered Now ," "The Jolly Tar and the Milkmaid ", " Stiff Upper Lip ", " Things Are Looking Up ," " Sing of Spring", " A Foggy Day" and " Nice Work If You Can Get It ". Added to this is the instrumental "Put Me to the test, the text of which was not needed, since it is a pure dance piece for Astaire, and" Ah! May Heaven to You Grant Pardon " in a version translated into English by Friedrich von Flotow. Four months before the premiere of the film composer George Gershwin died of a cancerous growth.

1937 in film George Stevens P. G. Wodehouse Pandro S. Berman Film score Robert Russell Bennett Joseph H. August RKO Pictures 10th Academy Awards Academy Award for Best Dance Direction Hermes Pan (choreographer) Academy Award for Best Production Design Nice Work If You Can Get It (song) Alice Adams (Film) Swing Time Vivacious Lady Gunga Din (film) Penny Serenade Woman of the Year I Remember Mama Giant (1956 film) The Diary of Anne Frank (1959 film) The Only Game in Town (film)
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