Fred Astaire is known for his fast footwork and graceful moves. George Burns and Gracie Allen began their careers on the radio, soon finding a place in motion pictures. “A Damsel in Distress” casts George as Fred’s press agent with Gracie as the secretary, and the combination is a winner.
Jerry Halliday (Fred Astaire) is a famous movie star who hates his own press. George and Gracie (playing under their own names) have concocted a wild publicity stunt which portrays Jerry as a dashing ladies’ man, a new woman on his arm every night, romances left and right, when nothing could be further from the truth. Jerry would like to settle down with a wife and family, but his press is keeping any nice women at bay. Who would want to marry a rounder like that? And the press is just as bad in London as it is in America. On tour, he gets mobbed just like he does at home.
Alyce Marshmorton(Joan Fontaine) is a beautiful, cultured socialite who is in love with an American. She sneaks off to see him on occasion when he’s in town, convinced that he’s the one she wants to marry. The household staff has placed bets on who will win her hand, and apparently there are plenty of suitors. Albert, the little footman, is sure that another man will swoop in at the last minute and be the lucky fellow, so that’s the way Albert bets. Kegs, the butler, is determined to win the bet, and he holds the name of Alice’s cousin. Kegs decides to follow Alyce to London, break up her meeting with the American, and try to encourage her into the arms of her willing cousin instead. Albert follows along to foil Kegs’ foiling.
While escaping Kegs, Alyce jumps into Jerry’s cab, unaware who he is. She thanks him for his hospitality, and then slips out of the cab once she’s a safe distance from Kegs. Jerry is sorry to see her go; he could fall for a woman like that. Imagine his surprise when he gets a note from her the next day, saying she’s in terrible distress and needs his help. He heads off to save her, not knowing that the note was forged by Albert, the footman.
I have never seen Joan Fontaine in a comedy; she’s more known for her dramatic roles, but she does a very good job in this film, even performing a small dance routine with Fred. George and Gracie are marvelous, as usual, and with Fred they do a darling dance routine in a carnival fun house. The interplay between Kegs and Albert is hysterical as they try to push different men into Alyce’s arms. The screenplay was written by P.G. Wodehouse, of “Jeeves and Wooster” fame. All in all, I greatly enjoyed this film and think you and your family will too.
Related Blogs:
And That’s Why They’re Called Classics!
Fred Astaire: The Dancing King
Betty Grable: Million Dollar Legs