The Gay Divorcee

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ChrisCSH H @RT12343453 07/22/2025 While it might feel a tad long at times by the time you get to the third act with the great and charming chemistry of both Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers, and to their magnificent “continental” dance the runtime picks up the pace. The fabulous dancing by Astaire and Rogers brings the film to a fantastic conclusion. See more acsdoug D @acsdoug 07/02/2023 The lame story is worth sitting through to get to the wonderful "The Continental" finale. Fred and Ginger have a couple of other numbers too. See more CodyZamboni @CodyZamboni 11/14/2022 Charming Astaire and Rogers musical fluff. The slight mistaken identity plot used to showcase mostly fun dance numbers, especially Night and Day, and The Continental. But that number, at 17 minutes, was way too long, and gets too repetitive, and should've been edited down and streamlined. See more michael d @RT16138633 12/16/2021 After hearing Fred Astaire put his stamp in a song, it's hard to imagine anyone else attempting to improve in what seems to be the definite rendition of it. That is the case when Mr. Astaire sings Cole Porter's elegant "Night and Day". In pairing Ginger Rogers with Mr. Astaire, Hollywood hit the jackpot as it produced a winning combination that went from film to film with such ease and panache, it will never be imitated. Mark Sandrich worked with Ms. Rogers and Mr. Astaire in several movies. Somehow, "The Gay Divorcée" is one of their best collaboration. This film is a lot of fun to watch, even after more than 70 years after it was made. It speaks volumes for all the people involved in the production of this movie. The Great Depression was the right background when movies like this were made. In a way, it was an escape from the harsh realities of the times America was going through. The public went to the movies to see their favorite stars that were shown in such a glamorous roles. How could anyone not admire the great Fred Astaire, always impeccably dressed? Or how could not any woman in the theater envy Ms. Rogers's beauty and easy grace? That era made it right for Hollywood to show the world a sensitivity and sophistication that only few rich types were able to enjoy in real life, while the rest was trying to eke out a life of whatever work they could find. The musical numbers are amazing. "The Continental" alone, must have blown the budget of the picture. Imagine how much it would cost today to have all those dancers in a sound stage! Not only that, but in that lengthy number, there are at least four changes of costumes for the women. Also, he is delightful singing "Looking for a Needle in a Haystack". A young and radiant Betty Grable makes an appearance singing "Let's K-knock K-knees" in which she shows a bit of her enormous charm and talent. Ginger Rogers makes a gorgeous Mimmi Glassop. Alice Brady, is perfect as the dizzy Aunt Hortense. Edward Everett Horton plays an excellent Egbert Fitzgerald, the divorce lawyer. Erik Rhodes is one of the best things in the film; his Signor Tonetti injects a funny shot into the movie. Eric Blore, as the waiter, has great moments in the movie. In setting the film in London and Brighton, a rich texture is added to this winning picture that will remain a favorite that will live forever because of the chemistry that Ginger Rogers and Fred Astaire produced in anything they did together. See more 12/13/2021 Fred Astaire's performance of "Just Like Looking For A Needle In A Haystack" is not to be missed. Check out the valet's tosses of the umbrella and hat. Just magical! See more ashley h @ashleyhobgood87 12/05/2021 The Gay Divorcee is a decent film. It is about a woman thinks a flirting man who is the co-respondent her lawyer has hired to expedite her divorce. Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers give good performances. The screenplay is a little slow in places. Mark Sandrich did an alright job directing this movie. I liked this motion picture because of the humor and romance. See more Read all reviews

The Gay Divorcee

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