Hiya pallies! Here's my last review for the Ginger/Fred Blogathon. Roberta, starring guess who? If you've guessed "Ginger Rogers and Fred Astaire" well you're correct; it also stars Irene Dunne and Randolph Scott. The plot revolves around the "Countess Scharwenka " (who is really a small-town girl named Lizzie) played by Ginger, Huck Haines who was Lizzie's sweetheart/now bandleader played by Fred Astaire and the secondary couple, John Kent former football star and designer/employee of the dress boutique Roberta run by John's Aunt Minnie , Stephanie (really a deposed Russian princess) is played by the lovely soprano Irene Dunne. The film opens to Huck, John and his "Indianians band" landing in Paris. John wanted a vacation after his girl broke things off with him and came along with Huck and his band. Huck and his boys have high hopes for their new gig, but when Alexander Voyda the owner of a cafe who hired them, finds out that Huck and his band are not in fact Indians, he fires them on the spot. Huck persists, and with John's help keeps Alexander from leaving so that he can hear one of their numbers...Huck plays the Indianians' gloved hands as an organ-resembling instrument of some kind. Alexander is still not impressed and leaves. Huck and his boys (who are broke) head for Paris on a train. While on the train, John (did I mention he was 6'3?) tells the boys about his famous Aunt Minnie, played by Helen Westley. John goes to Roberta and gets stuck in the elevator, Stephanie sees him and starts muttering something about the elevator in French, John tries speaking to her in English but she doesn't respond and he calls her "a dumb foreigner" ----talk about getting off on the wrong foot! John later realizes Stephanie indeed speaks English and is instantly smitten. He attempts to open doors for her but fails... for the first 3 or four tries she gets to door first. He achieves a personal victory when he finally opens the door for her! After conversing with Aunt Minnie, John finally asks her if she can help Huck and his band. This is interrupted by Stephanie, who announces that the "Countess Scharwenka" is not pleased with her gown. Soon you'll hear the Countess evidently throwing a tantrum. Although she has not been seen in the first 15 minutes, what a character introduction; throwing a tantrum, attempting to hit Stephanie and being pushed onto a couch by John...twice! Sure looks like a Countess! Let us take a moment to appreciate Ginger's "polish accent" and note: it was meant to be fake-sounding, the Countess is a made up identity. Ginger took her accent inspiration from a Polish star, Lyda Roberti. The countess takes a liking to John and after the whole affair is settled...she keeps the dress even after her "tantrum." John asks her to hear Huck and his band, she listens from an open window in the boutique and even starts dancing. Huck, while performing recognizes her and she backs away from the window. Huck is then introduced to the Countess and kisses her hand, Lizzie pretending not to recognize him acts very high hat; Huck puts an end to that by playfully biting her hand instead of kissing it for the third time. Huck then begins dropping hints to show the "Countess" that he knows is she is. Lizzie, still acting high hat tries to carry on a conversation with Huck, but he is only interested in making wise cracks. Lizzie (after making cracks about Americans and being corrected by Aunt Minnie) - "Ohh mais ouis, refreshing, pardonne monsieur." Huck (in a stereotypical "French accent")- "Poof, it is nothing toots Poof" Lizzie drops her guise when alone with Huck and makes a deal that she will help him get a job if he doesn't blow her cover. Huck asks what he ought to call her: Lizzie-"You may call me, Tanka" Huck- "Tanka" Lizzie- "You're welcome." Meanwhile, Minnie asks Stephanie to sing for her in order to help her sleep; here is where we first hear the magical voice of Irene Dunne. After showcasing her voice for a mere minute, the scene cuts to Lizzie rehearsing her "I'll Be Hard To Handle Number" with Huck watching as he casually lays on stairs. Lizzie's slight movements such as a point or a lift of the hand elevates the number, along with her "scatting" in a Polish accent. I have looked for 2 years to try and find an outfit that is similar to her's and have not found one item that resembles any part of it. Lizzie is so cute and sassy in this number, its easy to see why Huck was in love with her! After her solo, she and Huck converse with lots of playful banter that evolves into a tap dance sequence. This was one of Ginger's personal favorite numbers in the movie, the reason? Their dances were filmed on a real wood floor, meaning they didn't have to dub their taps over their movies in the editing phase of filming. Plus, they got real feedback from the sound of their moves on the floor. their mutual enjoyment is shown with Lizzie's giggles and Huck's permanent grin. Like all of their dances, you'll just get lost in all the steps and chemistry between the two; to use one of Tallulah Bankhead's phrases, its simply divine, Dahhhhlling. One last thing about the number, notice anything about Fred? Yes, his signature, swapping a belt for a tie/scarf, later to be emulated by one of Ginger's costumes in their 10th and final movie and the only one done in color! The Barkleys Of Broadway. Lizzie persuades Alexander (her boss) to listen and hire Huck and his Indianians... again, with some help from Huck in pressuring him into giving her a raise, of course. Stephanie teaches John to be a man of the world and they begin dating. One of the most underrated scenes is Huck and John celebrating John's completion of his French lessons. Afterwards, they join Aunt Minnie in listening to Stephanie, once Aunt Minnie falls asleep, they sneek out. Little did they know, that would be the last time they would ever see her. Minnie died without a will, therefore John inherited it. The news of a former football star owning a dress shop in Paris was all over the headlines. That caught the eye of a certain ex-girlfriend of John's, Sophie. Stephanie, feels that she is not needed and quit her job, until John agrees to a partnership. Huck and Lizzie haven't heard the news. Huck goes to John with a solution, that he and Stephanie become partners. John and Stephanie trick them into believing that John designed all of the dresses!! Stephanie shows Lizzie, John and Huck the designs for the new gowns. John likes everyone except for a silky black one, with a very low back. A reporter comes to interview John, and Huck does all the talking much to the chagrin of John. Their interview is interrupted by Sophie's arrival. Sophie manipulates her way back into John's heart, fake tears and all. when she meets Stephanie she treats her as if she were dirt. Stephanie backs away from her relationship with John, freeing him to be with Sophie if he wishes. Stephanie and Huck work together to persuade Sophie to wear the "eel dress" when she goes to meet John at the Cafe. Sophie wears a sparkly cover-up over the dress on her date with John and later takes it off, showing the marvelous eel underneath. John disgusted and angry gets into an argument with Sophie finally ending things with her for good. He later and enjoys "a dozen brandies". Huck plays the piano and is later joined by Lizzie in there "I Won't Dance" number. It is a lighthearted duet, again with Lizzie's accent and an indifferent Huck. After their song Huck, you know the one who won't dance? Well he dances alright, he performs a solo in true Astaire style and flair. At the same café, Stephanie in all her royal attire, accompanied by the elevator operator.... oh wait he is, in reality Stephanie's cousin, who is also a prince! They arrive and enter the private part of the café. Stephanie sings a glorious rendition of Smoke Gets In Your Eyes for her party. Every single time I hear it my eyes sure do get smokey ;) An inebriated John interrupts her singing and scolds her for selling the dress, this erupts into yet another argument. Stephanie attempts to continue her song but breaks into tears. Later, Huck and Lizzie are attempting to drum up business, when Stephanie returns, only to find out that John hasn't been running the shop but Huck has instead. Lizzie and Huck bait Stephanie to return and help run their upcoming fashion show. Stephanie accepts and they decide to do a musical-like fashion show, with Lizzie oh excuse me, the Countess and Huck providing entertainment. At the fashion show, Huck acts the host, introducing pieces with clever rhymes and "The Wabash Indianians" playing in the background. From the top of the stairs, Stephanie in a gorgeous white ball-gown begins singing Lovely To Look At. She notices John in the audience give a smile and a slight raise of the eyebrow. She sings going the steps and part of the fashion show ;as the music later becomes instrumental. Once the models have all presented the outfits, Huck and Lizzie go into another dance, this one is slow and romantic while still happily upbeat. Ginger seems light as air, and it really showcases both her and Fred's talents as a unit. After their performance Huck "proposes" to Lizzie and she accepts. Again John gets stuck in the elevator and mistakenly assumes that Stephanie became a princess by marriage by marrying Ladislaw. She explains that they are cousins and she's been a princess from birth. John and Stephanie make up. Lizzie and Huck finish with a slam- bang tap number to "I Won't Dance" and all's well that ends well. The crown Irene wore was made with real emeralds. RKO rented it for the duration of filming. Aside from being a Romantic Comedy/musical extravaganza, it is also a marvelous glimpse into fashion in the 1930's. Roberta was the very first Fred/Ginger movie I watched and I was instantly hooked. Irene Dunne's magical performance led me to her marvelous talent for screwball comedies and tragedies alike. If you haven't seen Roberta do watch it. If you've seen Roberta, go ahead and watch it again 😎 Before I go, did you hear how Fred got his last name? Well I'll tell you. Fred and his friend Hermes Pan (a influential dancer/choreographer in real life) were going to lunch in between filming. Fred was so immersed in what he was saying, he didn't notice a stair leading off the stage. Hermes shouted "Fred, a stair!!" The 'E' was added on later for that showbiz flair. hahaha I'm a regular Jack Benny aren't I? For all intents and purposes that was a joke. Some of the casual outfits, that are still classier than formal clothing today!!! Fun Facts
1. Ginger and Lucille Ball (the platinum blonde model) were friends their whole life. Ginger arranged for Lucy to have bit parts in most of her movies. 2. Roberta is the 3rd of the 10 movies made by the Astaire/Rogers unit. The previous ones being Flying Down to Rio (1933) and The Gay Divorcee (1934). 3. This is the first of three collaborations between Randolph Scott and Irene Dunne the second being High, Wide and Handsome (1937) and the third being My Favorite Wife with Cary Grant (1940). 4. Lucille Ball had a speaking part, but her lines were cut. 5. Lizzie's and Huck's "I'll Be Hard To Handle" was filmed in one take. A gem of a movie is Unfinished Business starring Irene Dunne and Robert Montgomery. Happy New Year and Thanks for Reading!!!
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Hello friends, bet you couldn't guess what this post is about! I posted previously about a Ginger Rogers and Fred Astaire blogathon put on by LoveLettersToOldHollywood.blogspot.com and here is my contribution. First up, I'll Be Seeing You starring: Ginger Rogers, Joseph Cotten and co-starring: Spring Byington, Shirley Temple and Tom Tully. There are quite a few rumors going around that Ginger was jealous of Shirley's "mature figure," leading her to talk to the producers about Shirley's costumes...well that's just a bunch of hogwash; Ginger was a very professional and lady-like woman; from my years of watching her movies, interviews and reading books on her, she wouldn't have lowered herself to a desperate measure like that. Plus, Ginger had a gorgeous figure herself and I mean look at her amazing hair. In case you couldn't tell, yeah I'm a pretty big fan. On to the movie, it is perfect for anytime in the year, but especially resonates with you during the holiday season. It never ceases to amaze, with its marvelous costumes, great acting, and a storyline that simply refuses to age. Ginger plays Mary Marshall, a woman convicted of manslaughter (when in reality it was self-defense). Joseph Cotten plays a soldier, Zachary Morgan who is a traumatized war vet. Spring Byington plays Aunt Sarah, Shirley Temple as cousin Barbara and Tom Tully as Uncle Henry. Mary and Zach meet on a train. after conversating with Mary, Zach stops at the same town and ends up spending the holidays with Mary and her family. Throughout the course of the movie they begin to fall deeply in love. Although it seems like poor Mary and Zach can never catch a break, with random objects and events that trigger their traumas, there is a happy ending. The character development was especially remarkable in it, with a flicker of Mary's eyes or a slight intake of breath from Zach, it makes it all the more believable Barbara at first is merely cordial to Mary. Not knowing what Mary went to prison for, she organized their bedroom with labels (although the cursive is simply divine), labeling different soaps, towels for Mary to use and even splitting the closet in two with a piece of fabric. Once Mary explains everything to Barbara, their relationship is strengthened and Barbara isn't "scared" of Mary. Throughout the film Barbara unwittingly makes insensitive remarks about prison, and even makes a mess of Mary and Zach's relationship at the end buuut you'll have to watch it to see ;) I sure wish Spring Byington was a relative of mine, even if she doesn't give the best relationship advice :). One last thing, their simple dinner with family and 3-4 gifts on Christmas, shows that you don't need to be materialistic or all about the food; instead its about the people you are with or missing, and experiences that you create for yourself and others. To me that's the true holiday spirit, simple and loving, yet uplifting and memorable. My top 3 favorite scenes: Spoilers Ahead!!! 1. The shopping scene with Barbara, Mary and Aunt Sarah. Aunt Sarah plans on buying Mary a dress, but first Mary pays one of the employees half of the dress price and afterwards, Aunt Sarah does the same thing!! This scene particularly resonated with me because although this New Years is QUITE different I wish I was able to buy a dress at least half as pretty as Mary's. 2. The New Years party, Aunt and Sarah Uncle Henry along with Zach and Mary attend a really swinging party! Confetti everywhere and everyone enjoying themselves, dancing and kissing... the whole shebang; One can only dream of going to a party like that! 3. Zach's "attack" after fighting off quite a large, ferocious dog and over-exerting himself, it brings a sort of realness to the movie because so many soldiers and civilians alike have/had similar ailments and there wasn't enough help and knowledge on psychological, emotional and physical traumas. It opens eyes to people what so many women/men lived through, adapted to and still lived life to the fullest. Fun Facts: 1. Tom Tully (Uncle Henry) was 22 years younger than Spring Byington. 2. In the beginning Mary tells Zach that she is a traveling saleslady, 12 years later she starred in The First Traveling Saleslady (1956). 3. Joan Fontaine was set to play Mary, but backed out at the last minute due to "previous commitments" 4. The title is the name of a song popularized by Vera Lynn (who died this year). It became a sort of anthem for soldiers and their families and even lovers, like Mary and Zach. It is a very heartfelt song and is relevant to this day. My next Ginger/Fred Post will be up tomorrow. Thank you all for reading and Happy Holidays!! Click this link for free downloads of Ginger's movies and more: https://ln2.sync.com/dl/d27b81cc0/e3ceipj5-q9mevdud-5enu89j7-s2k87yc9?sync_id=912092175006 Ginger's New Years dress. At the New Years Party. After Christmas, this becomes my background on all both my laptop and phone :) Christmas Eve dinner. first date. Before Barbara knew the whole story.
Visit Love Letters to Old Hollywood for a great bevy of blog posts on.... you guessed it Old Hollywood.
This particular Blogathon is all Fred and Ginger!! Ginger Rogers was born Virginia Katharine McMath in Independence, Missouri 1911, July 16. Her sun sign is sun in Cancer. She was born to Lela Emogene and William McMath. She was an only child, though she would have had an older sibling if her father didn't let the doctor use forceps to help deliver Lela's first child and accidentally killed it. It was for that reason that Lela had Ginger at home. You will notice I call Ginger's mother Lela or Lelee, as Lelee is what Ginger called her mother in her autobiography entitled, Ginger: My Story. Ginger's parents sadly, separated shortly after she was born but she and her mother lived close to her grandparents, so she was never too lonely. Ginger's father tried to get together with her mother again but Lela refused. When Lela went to work she would let baby Ginger play out in front of the office building because she knew everyone and everyone who worked there adored "little Virginia". Plus, she could see her from the window in the office where she worked and would check on her frequently. Neighbors and friends who passed by would always "treat" Ginger by taking her to ice cream or other fun activities. In fact, in her autobiography Ginger said that is how her love of ice cream started! Lela would let them and it became quite a routine for baby Ginger. This routine is what gave Lela a peace of mind that her daughter was safe. However this changed when one day Ginger could not be found. Lela looked for Ginger and wasn't worried when she didn't see her, hours later Ginger still could not be found. Lela was in a panic as she called friends, family and the places Ginger visited frequently but nobody saw her at all that day. Lela by then, had worked herself into a frenzy and called the police and gave them a description of Ginger. Someone who worked at the train station said he saw a man carrying a little girl who was crying and screaming, fit Ginger's description. Lela, with help figured that her husband took Ginger, she boarded a train sick with worry then hired a taxi and drove to the address her husband was staying at. She payed the driver extra money so he could act as her getaway driver, he agreed once Lela explained the situation to him. She saw, through the screen door, baby Ginger, sitting in a high chair. Lela ran into the house, grabbed Ginger and ran back out to the taxi. All the while the two women who were watching Ginger were chasing Lela, yelling that she can't take the baby. That night the taxi driver took Lela and Ginger to his mother and they spent their first night together on the floor of a tepee as the driver was Native American. Ginger's father kidnapped her a second time after that too! Lela legally divorced him soon after he kidnapped Ginger. Ginger states that was the last time she ever saw her biological father. Throughout her childhood, she lived mostly with her grandparents and other cousins and sometimes lived with Lela. Lela did care for Ginger, she was just preoccupied in her own career trying to make a name for herself in Hollywood, which she did. Ginger was always very close to her grandfather and sent him letters even when she became very famous. When Ginger was just 9, her mother remarried to a man named John Rogers. One of Ginger's cousins could not say Virginia and called her "Ginga". She took the name Rogers from her step-father, though he never legally adopted her. The trio then moved to Fort Worth, Texas where Lela became a theater critic for a newspaper. Ginger and her mother were both Christian scientists (so was Irving Berlin, Marilyn Monroe and Doris Day. Though Marilyn and Doris both were only Christian Scientists for a short time). John, Ginger's stepfather, almost died because he was so sick when Ginger was a little girl. Lela and Ginger both were very afraid but kept praying and hoping he would heal. Lela called a metaphysical Christian Science practitioner and all three of them prayed all night long and the next day John was completely healed. This incident really helped Ginger decide that she was going to be a Christian Scientist and also reading Science And Health With Key To The Scriptures by Mary Baker Eddy, the founder of Christian Science. That book alone converted Irving Berlin and many others. I myself am currently reading it. When Ginger was 14, she won a Charleston dance contest and then went on tour for six months with her mother as her manager. The two remained very close throughout Ginger's stardom. I am currently learning the Charleston watching Youtube videos. Throughout her teenage years, she was singing on radio shows and had small gigs here and there. Being very young and naive, Ginger thought "why not" and married her cousin's ex-boyfriend. Yes, at the ripe age of 17, Ginger became Mrs. Jack Culpepper. Ginger knew him since she was a child and always had a very big crush on him, though he was nine years older. The marriage only lasted a few months due to Jack's use of alcohol. Ginger abhorred alcohol and never, ever drank or even had it when she threw parties. One of her guests said her party was one of the most sober but fun and enjoyable parties he'd been to. When Ginger left Jack to go tour with her mother, though they weren't legally divorced, he tried to get her back. I will continue this bio ;) https://quizpug.com/what-do-you-know-about-ginger-rogers/?r=3q2667 . Above is a link to a quiz I found, it tells you how much you know about Ginger. SOURCES Ginger, My Story by Ginger Rogers Wikipedia, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ginger_Rogers#Personal_life Astaire and Rogers by Edward Gallafent |
The only way to enjoy anything in this life is to earn it first." Office Blues (above) was one of the first times Ginger appeared on the silver screen and The Kiss (below) clip is the best romantic scene between her and Fred, and you don't even see them kiss!
Hard To Handle was one of the first songs I heard of Ginger singing a solo number.
The one song I feel really sums up her relation ship with Fred Astaire is They Can't Take That Away From Me. (Above)
I also like Dean Martin and posted a clip of him and Ginger singing together. (Above)
The Carol Burnett clip is a good clip for laughs but to really understand it you will need to watch Top Hat.
Kitty Foyle won Ginger an Academy Award. (Below) Swing Time and Kitty Foyle are Ginger's favorite movies (above).
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