Review of The Gay Divorcee (1934) by Mary H — 30 Jun 2008

This Fred & Ginger musical comedy is a charming period piece, and a lot of the humour and plot (Astaire's dancer is confused with the "co-respondent" in Rogers' divorce case) is quite fruity and risque for its time.

Indeed, the title was amended from The Gay Divorce to The Gay DivorceE as the censors did not think it appropriate that a divorce could be considered 'happy'. Nowadays the title The Gay Divorcee suggests an entirely different kind of set-up to that found in the film! As usual Fred's rakish, smug character fails to make a great first impression on Ginger's cool society girl and misunderstandings ensue until all is resolved in the final reel after a very lengthy and ridiculously elaborate dance number! The film is very funny, thanks to supporting actors Edward Everett Horton , Eric Blore and Alice Brady providing some "whumsical" light relief.