A Damsel in Distress (RKO)

A Damsel in Distress (RKO) is a 1937 English-themed Hollywood musical comedy film starring Fred Astaire, Joan Fontaine, George Burns and Gracie Allen, with a screenplay by P.G. "Plum" Wodehouse based on his novel, music and lyrics by George and Ira Gershwin, and directed by George Stevens.

Related Topics:
RKO - 1937 - Musical - Film - Fred Astaire - Joan Fontaine - George Burns - Gracie Allen - P.G. "Plum" Wodehouse - George - Ira Gershwin - George Stevens

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The film was made at George Gershwin's instigation, an enthusiasm that Wodehouse mischievously attributed to the fact that his novel was about a successful American songwriter named George. Gershwin died of a brain tumour while the film was in production.

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The first Astaire RKO film not to feature Ginger Rogers, the nineteen year-old Fontaine was chosen, with Burns and Allen drafted in to provide the comedy. It soon emerged that Fontaine couldn't dance, but Stevens persuaded Astaire not to replace her with Ruby Keeler. The film, now considered a masterpiece of popular song and dance, was the first Astaire picture to lose money. The Stiff Upper Lip routine garnered co-choreographer Hermes Pan the 1937 Academy Award for Best Dance Direction.

Related Topics:
Ginger Rogers - Burns and Allen - Ruby Keeler - Choreographer - Hermes Pan - Academy Award

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