You'll Never Get Rich (1941)

In order to cover up his philandering ways, a married Broadway producer sets one of his dancers up on a date with a chorus girl for whom he had bought a gift, but the two dancers fall in love for real.

Director:

Sidney Lanfield

Writers:

Michael Fessier (original screenplay), Ernest Pagano (original screenplay)

Stars:

Fred Astaire, Rita Hayworth, Robert Benchley

Nominated for 2 Oscars.

Cast

Complete credited cast:
Fred Astaire	...	Robert Curtis
Rita Hayworth	...	Sheila Winthrop
Robert Benchley	...	Martin Cortland
John Hubbard	...	Tom Barton
Osa Massen	...	Sonya
Frieda Inescort	...	Mrs. Julia Cortland
Guinn 'Big Boy' Williams	...	Kewpie Blain (as Guinn Williams)
Donald MacBride	...	Top Sergeant
Cliff Nazarro	...	Swivel Tongue
Marjorie Gateson	...	Aunt Louise
Ann Shoemaker	...	Mrs. Barton
Boyd Davis	...	Colonel Shiller

Storyline

After his wife discovers a telltale diamond bracelet, impresario Martin Cortland tries to show he's not chasing after showgirl Sheila Winthrop. Choreographer Robert Curtis gets caught in the middle of the boss's scheme. Army conscription offers Robert the perfect escape from his troubles- or does it?

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Plot Keywords:

guardhouse | new york city new york | bracelet | army | mousetrap | 

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Taglines:

Exciting loveliness and rhythm in a star-spangled army musical!

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Genres:

Comedy | Musical | Romance

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Certificate:

Approved

Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

25 September 1941 (USA)

Also Known As:

He's My Uncle

Company Credits

Production Co:

Columbia Pictures Corporation

Technical Specs

Runtime:

88 min

Sound Mix:

Mono (Western Electric Mirrophonic Recording)

Color:

Black and White

Aspect Ratio:

1.37 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

Finnish censorship visa # 02367.

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Goofs

As Fred Astaire and Robert Benchley are discussing the upcoming show they pass several soldiers who are working with shovels. Though the soldiers are supposed to be breaking up clods and smoothing the dirt the shovels never come within six inches of the ground.

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Quotes

Robert Curtis: All right, Martin, now what's your real idea of doing this show in camp?
Martin Cortland: Why, Robert, I'm surprised at you. You know I've always wanted to do something for the government.
Robert Curtis: Oh, yeah, sure, sure.
Martin Cortland: You'd think I was getting something out of this.
Robert Curtis: Only my services for nothing, that's all.
Martin Cortland: What do you mean for nothing? The government pays you $21 a month, doesn't it? Where does that money come from? The taxpayers. I'm a taxpayer.
Robert Curtis: Let me thank you, Martin.
Martin Cortland: Don't mention it, my boy.

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Crazy Credits

The opening credits are presented as a series of roadside advertising signs observed by one of the characters.

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Connections

Featured in The Carol Burnett Show: Episode #4.20 (1971)

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Soundtracks

So Near and Yet So Far
(uncredited)
Written by Cole Porter
Sung by Fred Astaire

User Reviews

Rita + Fred= Sheer Dancing Delight!

Ginger Rogers may have been Fred Astaire's ultimate dance partner, but Rita Hayworth makes a very worthwhile play for that title in 'You Were Never Lovelier'. This fun wartime comedy-musical has a very contrived plot that is as flimsy as tissue paper, but when the two stars Hayworth and Astaire are on screen together all faults are forgiven for the sheer brilliance they show together as dancing partners.

Hayowrth, early in her career, shows little sign of nervousness before the camera and handles her role as Sheila Winthrop very well, she imbues her with charm, grace and just a hint of sass. Astaire is equally likable as Robert Curtis, Rita's love interest from the beginning. As with all of Astaire's films with Rogers the lovestruck couple experience a series of misdemeanours that hinder their romance, until a romantic finale reunites the pair. Light moments of comedy work well to compliment the bursts of energetic dancing, and Hayworth's and Astaire's charisma shine through perfectly when they are needed to lift the action.

The army base setting is refreshing, yet also distracting. A little too much time is given to the rather unamusing antics of Astaire's servicemen buddies. The film isn't overly influenced with visual style, the sets look as if they have been used time and time again, yet Hayworth and Astaire are sublime whatever the situation. Rita looks very beautiful in this one, and she displays a natural acting talent. Astaire was never much of an actor but he lights up the screen like no other. Nice supporting work from Frieda Inescort is a highlight, as is the dancing finale for Hayworth and Astaire atop an army tank. Yes, the army sub-plot came in handy in the end.

Margarita Cansino was still undergoing the 'Rita Hayworth' transformation while this film was being made, so Rita still looks quite Latin in most scenes, with darker hair than we are normally accustomed to from the famous redhead. Fred often said that Rita was the best dancer he ever worked with, and at times he does seem in awe of her capabilities that definitely match his. Rita considered this one of the two jewels in her film career (the other being 'You Were Never Lovelier' with, you guessed it, Fred), and it is a gorgeous film.

A feel-good musical that isn't a mind-blowing film experience, yet is definitely an enjoyable one.

7/10.