Du Barry Was a Lady
Hat check man Louis Blore is in love with nightclub star May Daly. May, however, is in love with a poor dancer but wants to marry for money. When Louis wins the Irish Sweepstakes, he asks May to marry him and she accepts even though she doesn't love him. Soon after, Louis has an accident and gets knocked on the head, where he dreams that he's King Louis XV pursuing the infamous Madame Du Barry.
Insights
Plot Summary
A hat-check boy named Louis Blore dreams of being the lover of Madame Du Barry. Through a strange turn of events involving a stolen radium and a hypnotist, Louis finds himself transported to 18th-century France, believing he is his idol, the Duke de Choin. He woos Madame Du Barry, while his jealous associate, May Daly, also travels back in time as the singing star of the Folies Bergère, unaware of Louis's presence.
Critical Reception
Du Barry Was a Lady received mixed reviews upon its release, with some critics praising its lavish production and energetic performances, particularly from Lucille Ball and Red Skelton, while others found the plot to be silly and the humor dated. Despite a strong cast and musical numbers, it did not achieve significant critical acclaim but was a moderate box office success.
What Reviewers Say
- Praised for its vibrant Technicolor and energetic musical numbers.
- Lucille Ball and Red Skelton's comedic performances were often highlighted.
- Criticized for its thin and nonsensical plot.
Google audience: Audience reception is not readily available through standard aggregated platforms.
Fun Fact
The film is a musical adaptation of the 1939 Broadway stage musical of the same name, which also starred Ethel Merman and Bert Lahr.
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