La astucia de una dama

The only pairing of Ginger and Jimmy Stewart is a remarkable comedy with almost no wasted moments. Ginger's sex appeal is much in evidence in this film -- indeed, the film is full of sexual tension as Ginger and Jimmy strive to consummate their marriage -- but are constantly interrupted. In addition to many and varied bits of comedy, there is also a great little dance number where Ginger and Beluah Bondi (!) do the "Big Apple." The cast is perfect and the comedy is timeless. Too bad this is not out on video or DVD! One of the best Ginger solo starring efforts, and watchable again and again!

This film is a joy from beginning to end! It's filled with many great comedic moments: Stewart getting drunk in the classroom, Roger's & Stewart's fiancee fighting in the garden (I read in Ginger's autobiography that she was wearing hockey shin guards when she was kicked!), when Ginger and her mother-in-law are dancing, and the latter's husband comes in (!).

The only "exasperating" part is Stewart's character's cowardice to tell his parents that he's married; but, without it, there wouldn't be any film!

The only Rogers film I personally like better than this film (and, only slightly) is "Bachelor Mother". But, SEE THIS!

Norm

This premise of this movie, remarkably spineless son can't tell his parent's he's married an oddly forgiving nightclub singer, is pretty absurd, but what the movie lacks in sense it makes up for in humor. It's a very likable movie with a typically engaging performance by Rogers and a typically amiable one by Stewart.

The funny thing about this movie is it accepts the family dynamics as just another wacky family, and by the standards of 1940s screwball comedies I suppose it is, but I couldn't help but think about how you could take the same family dynamic - dominating patriarch, a frail, timorous wife, two sons, one fearful and the other somewhat dissolute - and you've the makings of some grim stage drama by Arthur Miller or someone.

Well, that's the danger of getting older; when I was watching every old movie as a teenager I was oblivious to these contextual issues, but happily I am still able to enjoy a dopey comedy like this one.

It's love at first sight for Peter (James Stewart) when he spots Francey (Ginger Rogers) in a dance hall in "Vivacious Lady," a 1938 comedy also starring Charles Coburn, Beulah Bondi and James Ellison. Stewart is a college professor, and the son of the university president. He's engaged to a drab young woman from a very good family. When he goes to a dance hall to get his cousin Keith (Ellison) so they make their train, he sees Ginger, whom his cousin is also attracted to. By the next day, Stewart and Rogers are married and on their way back to the college town to face the family.

However, facing the family isn't too easy. Peter's domineering father keeps ordering him around, his mother keeps getting faint from a weak heart whenever there's a conflict...and somehow, no one knows that Francey and Peter are married and think she's dating Keith. Then, in order to get her into the prom, they have to say she's a botany student. One of the best scenes occurs at the prom, when Francey and Peter's fiancé get into a horrific catfight outside of the dance just as Peter brings his father out in another attempt to announce he's married.

But the best scene takes place in the room Francey has rented. She has a temperamental Murphy bed, and Stewart does everything he can to bring it down - banging doors, drawers, stomping, hoping it will fall.

Stewart is delightful as a young man who has to decide on priorities, and Rogers is a great match for him. She is incredibly beautiful in this movie. Handsome James Ellison gives a wonderful performance as cousin Keith, and Coburn and Bondi are perfect as the parents.

A light movie, some great scenes, fantastic stars glowing with youth - you can't ask for more.

a romantic comedy. maybe, a perfect one. because it has all expected ingredients. and, sure, the right actors . it is amusing and touching and courageous. and James Stewart gives his the best in a role who, at the first sigh, reminds many others. because it is so simple. a dysfunctional family, a seductive young woman, a secret and the glamour of Ginger Rogers. all as part of a so contemporary film, ironic, great and real lovely.