A Damsel in Distress

Cast

George Burns is an actor and comedian best known for his work in A Damsel in Distress (1937). But did you know George Burns was also an author, songwriter, and musician? He co-wrote several of the musical numbers for the movie with his wife, Gracie Allen. He even sang one of the songs himself! He was a true triple threat who could make audiences laugh, cry, and dance in the same performance. How did he do it? Thats the million-dollar question!

Gracie Allen

Gracie Allen is a comedic icon. She starred in the 1937 movie A Damsel in Distress alongside Fred Astaire, and her performance was widely acclaimed. But what is it that made Allen so special? Well, her ability to combine deadpan delivery with humor and wit was unparalleled. She had a knack for making the most mundane conversations hysterical. Furthermore, her talent for physical comedy was astounding. From her famous slow burn to her signature pratfalls, Allen was a master of comedic timing and delivery. In short, there was no one quite like Gracie Allen.

Fred Astaire

What can one say about Fred Astaire that hasnt already been said? He was the epitome of grace, style, and sophistication on the dance floor. But what was it that made him so special? Was it his effortless charm? His captivating smile? His seemingly endless energy?

One thing is for sure: Fred Astaire brought something special to the screen in his role as Jerry Halliday in the classic movie, A Damsel in Distress (1937). His charm and charisma made the movie come to life, and he and co-star, Joan Fontaine, had a delightful chemistry that kept audiences enchanted.

From the moment Fred Astaire stepped onto the dance floor, he could captivate an audience. His grace, style, and effortless expression of joy were simply mesmerizing.

Joan Fontaine

What can be said about the iconic Joan Fontaine? Of course, her performance in A Damsel in Distress is a classic. But, in addition to her acting, its also worth noting that she was the younger sister of the equally iconic Olivia de Havilland.

Whats more, she was the first actress to win an Academy Award for a role in an Alfred Hitchcock film, for her role in Suspicion in 1941. But, in addition to this, she was also the first actress to win an Academy Award for a performance in a film released by a major Hollywood studio.

Its hard to deny the impact Joan Fontaine had on the world of acting. She truly was an actress ahead of her time.

George Barbier

George Barbier, you may ask? Who is he? Well, George Barbier was an American actor who played the role of Lord Fancourt Babberly in A Damsel in Distress (1937). He is best remembered for his role as the comically absentminded academic who is pursued by a gang of jewel thieves. His performance was widely praised for its comic timing and energy, and his character was the source of much of the humor in the film. He was a veteran of the vaudeville and Broadway stages, and his work in A Damsel in Distress was an impressive feat for someone of his age. Indeed, George Barbier was a master of physical comedy and a true talent.

Plot

Set in England in the early 20th century, A Damsel in Distress is a classic screwball comedy that tells a timeless story of love and romance. The film follows the story of an American dancer, who, upon arriving in England, finds herself caught up in a complex series of misunderstandings. From the high-society balls of London to the quaint country estates of the rural English countryside, A Damsel in Distress provides audiences with a charmingly authentic representation of life in England at the time. What can we say? Its hard not to love a story set in such a timelessly romantic setting!

Involved a romantic comedy between a wealthy young Englishman (Astaire) and a mysterious American woman (Fontaine)

Have you ever seen A Damsel in Distress, the classic 1937 romantic comedy starring Fred Astaire and Joan Fontaine? Its a charming story of a wealthy young Englishman, Astaire, and a mysterious American woman, Fontaine. But whats really interesting is the way their romantic relationship develops throughout the movie. Youll be on the edge of your seat wondering if the two will finally get together in the end. And if they do, can they make it work? Its a classic romantic comedy that will leave you wanting more.

The story follows Astaire’s attempts to save Fontaine from a financier and a jealous suitor

Whats a dapper gent like Fred Astaire to do when he meets the damsel in distress? A wealthy financier and a jealous suitor stand in the way of Astaire and his beloved, played by Joan Fontaine. The story follows Astaires attempts to save Fontaine from these two men. He must prove his worth and fight for the right to be with her. Can Astaire save the day? Thats the question that drives the story of A Damsel in Distress forward.

Musical Numbers

Several numbers were featured in the movie, A Damsel in Distress (1937), including: Things Are Looking Up, A Foggy Day, Nice Work If You Can Get It, Lets Begin and Im in Love Again. These songs were all composed by George Gershwin and lyrics written by Ira Gershwin and, together, they formed an integral part of the film. But what was it about these songs that made them so memorable? Was it their catchy melodies, or was it the spot-on lyrics that provided an insight into the films characters and their struggles?

Nice Work If You Can Get It

Nice Work If You Can Get It is one of the songs featured in the 1937 movie A Damsel in Distress. Fred Astaire and George Burns perform the song in the movie and it has become one of the most iconic musical numbers of the era.

The lyrics of the song reflect the glamorous, carefree lifestyle of the rich and famous during the 1930s; its about enjoying the high life and taking life as it comes.

The song encapsulates the same theme as the movie itself; that of the eternal struggle between class inequality and the pursuit of happiness. Its a reminder that, no matter ones circumstances, its always nice to get a break from ones everyday troubles and have a bit of fun.

Its a song that has stood the test of time and continues to be a classic in the musical repertoire of the 1930s. As the lyrics say: Nice work if you can get it, and you can get it if you try!

Change Partners

Change Partners is a memorable song-and-dance number from the 1937 romantic comedy A Damsel in Distress. The scene starts out with Fred Astaire, playing the role of Jerry Halliday, singing and dancing his way across the floor.

He soon pauses his performance to ask a young woman to join him for a dance. He then proceeds to invite all the other ladies in the room to join in, singing the chorus: Change partners, let’s change partners, do-si-do, swing your partner round and round.

The group of dancers then pairs up to take part in a lively square dance, with each couple switching partners throughout the routine. It is a classic scene from the era that still stands out in the minds of many fans of the movie today.

A Foggy Day

A Foggy Day is one of the most iconic scenes from the 1937 classic, A Damsel in Distress. Fred Astaire plays Jerry Halliday, an American playboy who finds himself in London. One of the films most memorable sequences happens when Jerry and his love interest, a Duchess, decide to take a stroll in the fog. In the midst of their romantic walk, they begin to dance in the street to one of George Gershwins most beloved tunes. Its a delightful moment of pure joy and enchantment, and its no wonder why its one of A Damsel in Distress most cherished scenes. What do you think of A Foggy Day?

I Can’t Be Bothered Now

I Can’t Be Bothered Now is one of the most iconic songs from the 1937 musical comedy A Damsel in Distress. Written by George and Ira Gershwin, the song features Fred Astaire as Jerry Halliday, a charming playboy who is determined to save a damsel in distress from an unwanted marriage.

The song’s lyrics express Jerry’s carefree attitude towards the situation, as he croons I can’t be bothered now, / Don’t want to think about it now / I can’t be bothered now / I don’t want to worry now.

The song’s light-hearted melody and jaunty rhythm help to convey Jerry’s attitude and make it an incredibly catchy piece of music. It has been covered by many singers over the years and remains a firm fan favorite to this day.

Things Are Looking Up

Things are looking up for the characters in A Damsel in Distress (1937). After a series of misadventures and misunderstandings, the two main characters finally find a way to bridge their differences and fall in love. Determined to make their relationship work, they set out to prove themselves to their respective families. Through a series of hijinks and witty dialogue, they manage to win over the hearts of the people around them. In the end, the two lovebirds finally get their happy ending and the audience cant help but feel that, yes, things are looking up.

Reception

A Damsel in Distress (1937) was generally well-received by critics. It was praised for its charm and wit, its clever dialogue, and its engaging performances. But, what did the critics like most about the movie? The savvy direction of George Stevens, the punchy screenplay by P.G. Wodehouse, or the sophisticated musical numbers? Its hard to say, but one thing is for certain: A Damsel in Distress proved to be a popular success with both the critics and public alike.

It was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Original Song

Have you ever heard of the movie A Damsel in Distress (1937)? It was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Original Song. But why?

Its because the movie featured a tune called A Foggy Day, written by George and Ira Gershwin. The song quickly became a popular classic, and was even included in the Library of Congress National Recording Registry. It was the perfect piece of music to capture the movies romantic themes, and the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences recognized it with a nomination.

Who would have thought that such a timeless song could be part of a movie from 1937?

It is often considered one of the best Astaire-Rogers musicals