Ginger Rogers | Hollywood Yesterday

Ginger Rogers and Dennis Morgan, Kitty Foyle

November 4, 2023 By Joi

Ginger Rogers, Kitty Foyle

An actress I somehow don’t talk nearly enough about happens to be one of my favorite stars. I love her filmography, admire the person she was (tremendously), believe her to be one of the great talents from old Hollywood, love her charisma, and find her to be terribly beautiful and fascinating.

How in the world does that even happen?!?! How can you feel so strongly about a star and not talk nearly enough about them?

No idea, but I have a few stars like that. Maybe I take them for granted. If that’s the case, I owe a huge apology to Ginger Rogers, Melvyn Douglas, Fred Astaire, and Audrey Hepburn a huge apology.

I think part of the reason is.. and this may seem crazy… but these stars are universally loved and, within the old Hollywood community anyway, very well known. I guess I tend to talk more about stars who I feel need the publicity or who I hope will win fans over.

At any rate, I vow never to take stars like this for granted again!

One of my favorite Ginger Rogers films (and roles) is Kitty Foyle (1940). Directed by Sam Wood, the drama also stars Dennis Morgan… now that I think about it, another star I love but take for granted!

I need to get my house in order, y’all.

Ginger Rogers very deservedly won a Lead Actress Oscar for her performance as the lead character, Kitty Foyle, and the film was nominated for an Academy Award for best picture but lost to Rebecca. No one’s asking me, of course, but I think Kitty Foyle should have won!

Dennis Morgan and Ginger Rogers, Kitty Foyle

You can find Kitty Foyle on dvd, Blu-ray, or Prime Video on Amazon (Amazon affiliate link).

Fred Allen and Ginger Rogers in the Fun We’re Not Married (1952)

September 16, 2021 By Joi

Fred Allen and Ginger Rogers

We’re Not Married is a 1952 romantic comedy that none of us talk nearly enough about. Directed by Edmund Goulding, the wonderful cast includes Ginger Rogers, Marilyn Monroe, Eve Arden, Victor Moore, Paul Douglas, Zsa Zsa Gabor, Mitzi Gaynor, Fred Allen, David Wayne, James Gleason, Jane Darwell… just reading through the names, you know this one is a perfect hoot.

In this comedy, five wedded couples find out they aren’t legally married! The Couples are…

Ginger Rogers and Fred Allen
Marilyn Monroe and David Wayne
Eve Arden and Paul Douglas
Zsa Zsa Gabor and Louis Calhern
Mitzi Gaynor and Eddie Bracken

I love the entire cast and the way the couples are paired is absolutely perfect. And can I just say that Fred Allen should have been in a LOT more movies and even starred in his own television show. The man had a mad gift for comedy. He was in three shorts between 1929 and 1930, made two movies in the 1930s, three in the 1940s, and We’re Not Married and O. Henry’s Full House in 1952. Sadly he passed away in 1956 at the young age of 61.

He was brilliant and hilarious. I hope you’ll find his work if you aren’t familiar with him.

You can buy We’re Not Married on dvd (Amazon link) or watch the film on Prime Video.

Fred Allen and Ginger Rogers

Ginger Rogers, Katharine Hepburn, Gail Patrick, and Eve Arden: Stage Door

September 6, 2021 By Joi

Ginger Rogers and Gail Patrick

Stage Door (1937, directed by Gregory La Cava) is one of the all-time great films. The cast is BEYOND perfection and includes Ginger Rogers, Katharine Hepburn, Lucille Ball, Eve Arden (practically steals the whole movie!), Adolphe Menjou, and Gail Patrick.

If you’ve never seen this outstanding movie, I hope you’ll see it as soon as possible – every single minute is fast-paced, flawless, and mesmerizing. While there is a great deal of humor (the dialogue is fast, furious, and fantastic), it will also break your heart at one point. Phenomenal movie.

You can find Stage Door on dvd (Amazon link) or watch it on Prime Video.

Kathrine Hepburn, Ginger Rogers, Eve Arden, Pamela Blake, and Andrea Leeds

Ginger Rogers and Fred Astaire: The Story of Vernon and Irene Castle

April 26, 2021 By Joi

Ginger Rogers and Fred Astaire

When I see people naming their favorite Ginger Rogers and Fred Astaire movie, I always wonder the same thing, “How could you possibly choose just one – or two or even three.. or four?!” I love them ALL so completely that I don’t think I’d ever stand a chance of narrowing my favorites down to 4, let alone one.

Apart, Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers were effortlessly charming, charismatic, and talented. Together? They were movie MAGIC.

While I love all of their films, including the one depicted in this post (The Story of Vernon and Irene Castle, 1939), this particular movie is often cited as fan’s least-liked Rogers and Astaire film. However, not surprisingly, even fans who don’t rate it particularly high still say the same thing, that it’s still very good and most certainly worth watching.

Personally I think the problem some may have with this one is that it’s pretty different from the rest in their filmography. It is different but, in my opinion, this is a good thing. When you watch and re-watch as many of their movies as I do, you kind of appreciate the change of pace.

People can be funny sometimes, can’t they? They’ll say so and so made movies that were “all the same” but when one ventures away from a particular formula, they scream, “Not as good! Go back to what made you popular!”

In The Story of Vernon and Irene Castle, Astaire and Rogers portray Vernon & Irene Castle, renowned ballroom dancers in the years preceding World War I.

This is one of the few I haven’t added to my Ginger Rogers movie collection yet. Looks like I need to skedaddle over to Amazon and take care of that pronto.

The Story of Vernon and Irene Castle (Amazon link) is available on dvd but doesn’t, unfortunately, appear to be on Prime Video yet. I’ll let you know if that changes.

Ginger Rogers and Fred Astaire

Ginger Rogers: Sitting Pretty (Was she ever?!) Publicity Pics

February 8, 2021 By Joi

Ginger Rogers, Sitting Pretty

Ginger Rogers, Jack Oakie, and Jack Haley starred in the 1933 musical-comedy Sitting Pretty (directed by Harry Joe Brown).

Unfortunately you don’t hear much about this one and it is RARELY shown on television, but it’s a lot of fun. The three leads are, as always, perfectly delightful in every way. Ginger Rogers was as beautiful as she was talented and her gift for comedy doesn’t get nearly enough attention.

As I said, this one is hardly ever shown on television – it’s one that pretty much has to be found on dvd. Problem is, that, too, can prove almost impossible! If you DO find it, grab it so it doesn’t get away!

Ginger Rogers

Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers, Shall We Dance (1937)

November 16, 2020 By Joi

Fred Astaire

Some stars in Old Hollywood were just so RIGHT that we kind of take them for granted. Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers, IMO, fall into this category. They were so perfect (every move, every step, every inflection, every expression…) that we kind of take them for granted.

By that I mean, how often do we fail to list Fred Astaire or Ginger Rogers on our lists of favorite old Hollywood stars…. but, yet, truth be told, we love them as much as anyone!

Many times, when making a mental (or physical) list of favorites, we tend to go through the dramatic movies… the epics!… and gather up favorite stars. This is all fine and good, but let’s not forget the musicals and comedies. Comedy is even harder for an actor/actress and, let’s face it, there is no better legacy than leaving laughter behind!

When you add to this the fact that musical stars had to act AND sing AND dance, you can’t help but be blown away by their talent.

Ginger Rogers

Recently, on Twitter, I answered a poll that asked for your favorite 20 old Hollywood stars. Given that I watch every single genre from silent films through the 70s, I have many, many favorites. I was kind of proud of myself that I was able to narrow the usual suspects to 22 (I mean, just cheating by two is hardly even cheating, right?), but as soon as I hit “Tweet,” I realized I had forgotten two of the stars who, over the years, have brought me as much joy and happiness as any star – Ginger Rogers and Fred Astaire.

I took them for granted! I replied to myself almost immediately and added them. It made me feel a little better anyway.

Whether they’re together in one of their lovely, perfectly flawless musicals or apart in one of their individual films… I simply love these two to distraction.

And I vow to never leave them out of a favorite list ever again.

You can find Shall We Dance (link to the dvd) on Amazon or watch it on Prime Video.

Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers, Shall We Dance

The Only Thing Better than One Fred and Ginger Movie…Two Fred and Ginger Movies

April 17, 2020 By Joi

Ginger Rogers and Fred Astaire, The Gay Divorcee

As far as I’m concerned, there is just nothing quite like sitting down and enjoying a Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers musical. The world outside your window can be barking mad (and is it ever right now?!), but if Fred and Ginger are on the tv… everything suddenly feels fine… perfectly fine.

Oh, sure the madness will be there as soon as the ending credits finish rolling (it comes more into focus the closer the credits get to the end, doesn’t it?), but for a blissful few hours, the only thing that matters is helping “him” straighten things out with “her,” so that “you” get that happy ending you need.

(Continued Below…)

Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers, Roberta

Today, I did something I seldom do (simply because I don’t often have the opportunity) – I watched not one but TWO films back to back and just let the laundry and dishes fend for themselves. When I met up with my cats in the den – with my raspberry tea and popcorn in tow – I knew I had carved out the entire afternoon for a double feature. The only thing left to do was decide which two movies it’d be.

A Western? Maybe a Film-Noir? A Musical? A Comedy? Drama?… Possibly a combination of two different genres??

Nah. Fred and Ginger – cheek to cheek, toe to toe, and back to back. I hadn’t seen The Gay Divorcee in two forevers, so I decided to start with it. Then, I decided to follow it up with Roberta because Ginger is especially adorable in it… too adorable for her own good, actually.

Four hours of BLISS and I don’t regret a single second. The dishes, the laundry, and supper (Uh oh.. I’d better get that started…) can wait. When your psyche needs the magic of Fred and Ginger.. that’s all that matters.

Sigh. They really were something else all together, weren’t they? I love them both dearly.

Hmmm… wonder what my cats have any plans for tomorrow afternoon?

Ginger Rogers: Is There Anything She Couldn’t Do?

April 15, 2020 By Joi

Ginger Rogers, Bachelor Mother (1939)

A few days ago, I tweeted out a little love for Ginger Rogers and the delightful and wonderful movie she made with David Niven, Charles Coburn, and Frank Albertson, Bachelor Mother. I vowed that I officially apologized for and cancelled any “favorite actress” list I had ever made that didn’t include the wonderfully talented Ginger Rogers.

Later that day, one of my favorite Twitter friends messaged me and said she got a huge kick out of my “vow.” I mean… I’m glad I made her laugh (in the times we find ourselves in right now, I wish I could make everyone laugh more). But, the thing is… I was serious!

I have been on a mission to see all of Ginger Rogers’ filmography after reading her mesmerizing autobiography (click here for my review) and it’s been one of the most enjoyable missions ever. It takes a while for me to work my way through a star’s filmography because I usually have about 10 stars I’m working on at once. If it’s a slow period of time, that is. Could be more like 20.

It’s a tough job, but someone has to do it.

If you’re only familiar with this beautiful and talented lady’s wonderful musicals, I hope you’ll make your own mission to find more of her films to watch. Bachelor Mother, Stage Door, Kitty Foyle, The Major and the Minor, and Monkey Business are just a few I highly recommend. Highly, highly recommend.

David Niven, Ginger Rogers, and Frank Albertson

Ginger Rogers: Gold Diggers of 1933 (Picture of the Day and Ravings for One Heckuva Lady)

March 29, 2020 By Joi

Ginger Rogers

As I’ve said, often, on the Old Hollywood blog, one of the things I love most about my obsession with classic movies and television is the fact that I’m always accumulating new favorites. Naturally, my love for my old favorites never diminishes… new favorites simply join the ranks.

A case in point: I have always loved Ginger Rogers (how could you possibly not?). My first Ginger Rogers film was The Major and the Minor (link to the dvd on Amazon) and I loved her, Ray Milland, and the film. Still do. However, she didn’t jump into the upper list of favorites quite yet.

Next up, I saw the WONDERFUL musical Top Hat (link to the dvd on Amazon). She danced her way up my list of favorites, but didn’t quite crack the top 12.

Then, as someone as obsessed with collecting and reading old Hollywood biographies and autobiographies as she is with watching the movies, I ordered her autobiography, Ginger: My Story (link to the book on Amazon). After reading this fascinating book, I realized that this wasn’t just a remarkable actress and star… this was a remarkable woman.

She has been one of my favorites since. Truth be told, I come to love her more with each passing film.

Versatility? Are you kidding me?!?! The woman was as funny as anyone in comedies (seriously… she hangs with Lucille Ball!), was phenomenal in dramas, and worked magic in musicals like few ever hoped to.

In fact, when I think of the word “versatile,” as it relates to the entertainment industry, Ginger Rogers and Judy Garland are the first names to come to mind.

If you tend to only think of musicals when you think of Ginger Rogers, I hope you’ll branch out into her other films. There is nothing WHATSOEVER wrong with being a musical star – in fact, it’s one of my favorite genres, so I think it’s outstanding! However, to only think of this wonderful actress as a dancer or as “Fred Astaire’s partner” is almost criminal. There was so much more to this lovely actress.

So. Much. More!

Ginger Rogers and Cary Grant, Monkey Business (1952)

November 3, 2019 By Joi

Ginger Rogers and Cary Grant: Two of the Reasons Monkey Business is Such a Fun Movie

As you’d assume, I watch A LOT of old movies & classic television and listen to countless old radio shows. I love dramas, Westerns, noirs, romances, mysteries, and horror… but I have always been drawn to comedies like a moth to light. The reason is simple – I love to laugh and am, myself, a born clown. I’m seldom serious and… truth be told.. even when I AM serious, there’s a smile and possibly even a giggle lying just below the surface.

Naturally, I love stars who make me laugh – those who have a natural ability to pull people’s proverbial funny bone. Most people don’t realize just how incredibly difficult that actually is. I am, by no means, an actress, but did take drama classes in school. Doing a dramatic play was infinitely easier than a comedy – a LOT goes into comedies and making a scene work is unspeakably difficult.

That’s one of the reasons I love stars who make it look so easy – those who seem as though they were born to make people laugh. Some of my favorites were the all-time “greats” at this:

Lucille Ball
Abbott and Costello
Bob Hope
Laurel and Hardy
Jerry Lewis
Carol Burnett
Buster Keaton
Jimmy Durante

Unless you’ve seen their comedies, it may surprise you when I say I think Ginger Rogers and Cary Grant were two of the best at comedy and could easily be placed on the list. In fact, had each been given a few more comedic roles, I believe they would be.

Their comedic timing was exceptional. Each one was perfect in Monkey Business and each had other films that showcased their great talent for comedy. Ginger Rogers was even funnier in Stage Door and The Major and the Minor and Cary Grant was on par with any comedian in Bringing Up Baby.

If you’ve never seen Monkey Business (Amazon link), I hope you’ll check it out – it’s just an awful lot of fun.