A Damsel in Distress
A Damsel in Distress

Movie spotlight

A Damsel in Distress

1937
Movie
101 min
English

Lady Alyce Marshmorton must marry soon, and the staff of Tottney Castle have laid bets on who she'll choose, with young Albert wagering on 'Mr. X'. After Alyce goes to London to meet a beau she is restricted to the castle to curb her scandalous behavior. Albert then summons Jerry to Alyce's aid in order to 'protect his investment'.

Insights

IMDb6.5/10
Rotten Tomatoes70%
Director: George StevensGenres: Musical, Comedy, Romance

Plot Summary

A wealthy young English heiress, Lady Alice Alstone, falls in love with a visiting American dancer, Jerry Halliday, despite her family's disapproval. Her uncle, Lord Raleigh, attempts to break them up by arranging a marriage to the socially prominent but unpleasant "Bubbles" LaRue. Meanwhile, Jerry's friends, George and Gracie, try to help him navigate the complexities of English society and win Alice's hand.

Critical Reception

While not a major box office success, 'A Damsel in Distress' is remembered for its charming performances, particularly from Fred Astaire, and its vibrant musical numbers. It is considered a solid, if not groundbreaking, entry in the Astaire-Rogers lineage, though it notably lacks Ginger Rogers. The film received a mixed to positive reception from critics upon its release, appreciated for its lighthearted entertainment value and musicality.

What Reviewers Say

  • Praised for Fred Astaire's impeccable dancing and the delightful musical sequences.

  • The comedic chemistry of George Burns and Gracie Allen adds significant charm.

  • Criticized by some for a somewhat weak plot and the absence of Ginger Rogers.

Google audience: Audience reception data for 'A Damsel in Distress' is not readily available in a consolidated format for Google reviews.

Fun Fact

The film features an innovative early use of Technicolor for one of its musical numbers, 'Fun House', although the rest of the movie is in black and white.

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My Review

TMDB Reviews

1 reviews
CinemaSerf

CinemaSerf

There is something oddly static about this self adaptation of P.G. Wodehouse's comedy romance. Joan Fontaine is "Lady Alyce" an heiress who casually meets visiting dancer/composer Fred Astaire ("Jerry") on a trip to London. Their romance is...