Mariage incognito

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.

This is a fun,enjoyable comedy starring two screen legends in their early prime.Ginger Rogers and James Stewart are fine in the leads,but are given a run for the money in the acting department by Charles Coburn and Beulah Bondi.As Stewart's parents they almost steal the show. James Ellison,who I've only seen in De Mille's "The Plainsman" (1936), is serviceable as the second-lead who loses the girl.There's one big highlight in this movie that stands out: The cat fight with Rogers and sparring partner Frances Mercer. It's a hilarious moment.George Stevens keeps the movie bright and funny. If you ever catch this little gem you won't be disappointed.

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!

I came across this movie on AMC a couple of weeks ago, and had never seen it before. I am a fan of James Stewart, and was surprised to see him opposite Ginger Rogers......The two worked great together! This movie had some great lines and some very funny scenes. Willie Best, who plays the train cabin steward is very funny. Jimmy is a college professor who marry's a show girl. On his arrival home he has to get the nerve up to tell his parents about his marriage, especially his father. His father is the very staunch President of the University where Jimmy teaches, and is very hung up on appearances and the reputation of his name and family. The interaction between Ginger and Jimmy's old girl friend are quit good as is that of Jimmy's mom and Ginger. I would recommend this movie to anyone.

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