Home
| Search
| Site Index
| Now Playing
| Top Movies
| My Movies
| Top 250 |
TV
| News
| Video |
Message Boards
Register
| 
RSS
| Advertising
| Content Licensing
| Help
| Jobs
| IMDbPro
| IMDb Resume
| Box Office Mojo
| Withoutabox
| Follow us on Twitter
International Sites: IMDb Germany
| IMDb Italy
| IMDb Spain
| IMDb France
| IMDb Portugal
Copyright © 1990-2010
IMDb.com, Inc.
Terms and Privacy Policy under which this service is provided to you.
An 
company.
Own the rights?
Buy it at AmazonDiscuss in Boards More at IMDb Pro Add to My Movies Update Data
Quicklinks
Top Links
trailers and videosfull cast and crewtriviaofficial sitesmemorable quotesOverview
main detailscombined detailsfull cast and crewcompany creditstv scheduleAwards & Reviews
user reviewsexternal reviewsnewsgroup reviewsawardsuser ratingsparents guiderecommendationsmessage boardPlot & Quotes
plot summarysynopsisplot keywordsAmazon.com summarymemorable quotesFun Stuff
triviagoofssoundtrack listingcrazy creditsalternate versionsmovie connectionsFAQOther Info
merchandising linksbox office/businessrelease datesfilming locationstechnical specslaserdisc detailsDVD detailsliterature listingsNewsDeskPromotional
taglines trailers and videos posters photo galleryExternal Links
showtimesofficial sitesmiscellaneousphotographssound clipsvideo clipsIMDb user comments for
Vivacious Lady (1938) More at IMDbPro »
18 out of 21 people found the following review useful:
One of Ginger's BEST films!, 9 February 2000
Author: Norm Vogel (norm3vog@blast.net) from S. Bound Brook, NJ.
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
12 out of 14 people found the following review useful:
Fabulous comedy!, 8 August 2002
Author: jimkis-3 from USA
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!
12 out of 15 people found the following review useful:
very funny, but what a dysfunctional family!, 16 July 2005
Author: Charles Herold (cherold) from United States
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.
5 out of 5 people found the following review useful:
Stewart and Rogers in their early prime, 3 June 2007
Author: nnnn45089191 from Norway
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.
5 out of 5 people found the following review useful:
Excellent movie/Two Thumbs Up, 13 November 2005
Author: missylove from United States
This is a movie full of Love, Comedy, and Romance all in one excellent movie. We can't get enough of it! All actors did an excellent job in this one. This is one movie we will never get tired of. It is always so refreshing to find a movie like this. If you are feeling down and out this will be a excellent pick-me up.
I never really knew about Beulah Bondi who plays James Stewart's mom, she is great in this movie. In fact she played his mother in a few other movies. I just realized she was in Tammy and the Doctor (1963) as Annie Call and she was very good in that too.
If you like this movie with Ginger Rogers, you will also like "The Major and the Minor".
Another actor I never really knew about is James Ellison, who plays James Stewart's cousin. I really loved him in this movie and would love to see more of his movies. A real handsome man and love to hear his voice.
4 out of 4 people found the following review useful:
Very sexy romantic comedy, 14 October 2005
Author: texburgh from United States
I admit to being a fan of romantic comedies. This is one of the very best. Stewart and Rogers are fantastic and surrounded by a great cast - most particularly Beulah Bondi and Grady Sutton.
The best part for 21st century viewers of the "ancient" classic is the amount of sexual tension the director (and Stewart and Rogers) put in the film. The scenes with the murphy bed in Roger's apartment are among the funniest and sexiest every filmed. I'm surprised this got by the censors back then! The pace of the film is excellent, the characters are charming, the romance is engaging, the acting is superb, and the writing is even more so.
Why this is not available on DVD is beyond me. If you get the chance, watch this film.
3 out of 3 people found the following review useful:
A fun comedy with two top line actors, 10 July 2005
Author: Jeff Beller (jbeller@austin.rr.com) from United States
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.
4 out of 5 people found the following review useful:
They're called "classics" for a reason, 21 February 2007
Author: cdoelle (cdoelle@gmail.com) from Houston, TX
It is no secret that my all-time favorite actor is Jimmy Stewart. Every Oscar season, I get an opportunity to catch up on some of his films I haven't seen. Today, Turner Classic Movies played Vivacious Lady. This two-time academy award nominee was a very fun film.
Ginger Rogers' upbeat and fun-loving leading lady is perfect opposite Stewart's shy, but stouthearted leading man. The two work amazing together. It is the epitome of the screwball comedic-romance popular in the 30' and 40's. I have never been a big fan of Ginger Rogers, but I love her in this.
If you can tear yourself away from whiz-bang special effects and poorly-written blockbusters featuring today's megastars... movies like these are worth a look. Not only are the actors much more interesting, but the writing is superior to the majority of films released today.
3 out of 4 people found the following review useful:
Adorable comedy, adorable young stars, 28 February 2006
Author: blanche-2 from United States
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.
1 out of 1 people found the following review useful:
A Wonderful Gem...needs to be on DVD!, 1 January 2008
Author: quidplyrhp from United States
On a rare showing on TCM, I fell in love with this movie! A wonderful pairing of the fiery Rogers and a timid Stewart, made the chemistry between the two believable.
On a trip to the city, Stewart meets, falls for, and marries Rogers only later realizing his staunch and rigid father would never approve. Taking her back to his small town, Stewart places her in a home for unmarried girls, until he can break the news to his father that he married a showgirl.
I loved the setting of this movie, and being in black and white only enhanced the scenes. If you liked "The Philadelphia Story" you'll love this! A classic boy-meets-girl, story with delightful humor and a believable romance...
Add another review
Related Links