Α DAMSEL IN DISTRESS

A Damsel in Distress
RKO, 1937, B/W, 98 minutes, ***½
Released November, 1937

The dancing talents of Fred Astaire (with new partner Joan Fontaine alongside), a marvelous musical score by the Gershwins, and comic relief from Burns and Allen combine in this enchanting romantic treat about an American dancer finding a place in his heart for a sheltered British aristocrat while in London. Co-written by P.G. Wodehouse and directed by George Stevens; songs include "Sing of Spring."

Great fun with Astaire pursuing Fontaine and Burns and Allen getting to do their thing. The funhouse scene is especially memorable, as is another of Reggie's impersonations of a great orchestra leader. Wonderful rendition of "A Foggy Day" by Fred Astaire.

Produced by: Pandro S. Berman
Directed by: George Stevens
Assistant Director: Argyle Nelson
Music by: George Gershwin
Lyrics by: Ira Gershwin
Screen Play by: P.G. Wodehouse, Ernest Pagano, S. K. Lauren
From the Story by: P. G. Wodehouse
Musical Director: Victor Baravalle
Orchestral Arrangements by: Russell Bennett
Additional Arragnements by: Ray Noble and George Bassman
Choreography: Hermes Pan and Fred Astaire
Art Director: Van Nest Polglase
Associate: Carroll Clark
Recorded by: Earl A. Wollcott
Set Dressing by: Darrell Silvera
Special Effects by: Vernon L. Walker
Photographed by: Joseph H. August
Edited by: Henry Berman

Cast: Fred Astaire [Jerry Halliday], George Burns [George Burns], Gracie Allen [Gracie Allen], Joan Fontaine [Lady Alyce Marshmorton], Reginald Gardiner [Keggs], Ray Noble [Reggie], Constance Collier [Lady Caroline Marshmorton], Montagu Love [Lord John Marshmorton], Harry Watson [Albert], Jan Duggan [Mrs. Ruggles] Additional Cast: Pearl Amatore, Betty Rone, Mary Dean, Jack George [Madrigal Singers], Joe Niemeyer [Halliday Impersonator], W. J. O'Brien [Chauffeur], Mary Gordon [Cook], Ralph Brooks, Fred Kelsey [Sightseers], Major Sam Harris [Dance Extra], Mario Berini [Keggs' singing voice]

Musical Program: [0:12] I Can't Be Bothered Now (sung and danced by Fred Astaire in a busy London street); [0:25] The Jolly Tar and the Milkmaid (sung by Jan Duggan, Mary Dean, Pearl Amatore, Betty Rone and Chorus, joined by Fred Astaire); [0:39] Put Me to the Test (instrumental arrangement danced by Fred, George and Gracie with whiskbrooms); [0:48] Stiff Upper Lip (sung by Gracie Allen, danced by Gracie, George Burns, Fred Astaire and Chorus at the amusement park); [1:05] Things Are Looking Up (sung by Fred Astaire, danced by Astaire and Joan Fontaine); [1:09] Sing of Spring (sung by Madrigal Singers); [1:14] A Foggy Day (sung by Fred Astaire); [1:19] Nice Work If You Can Get It (sung by Jan Duggan, Mary Dean, Pearl Amatore, Fred Astaire and Chorus); [1:25] Ah! che a voi perdoni Iddio (from the opera MARTHA, sung by Mario Berini dubbing for Reginald Gardiner); [1:36] Put Me to the Test (instrumental arrangement, Fred Astaire dances and plays drums)