The Gay Divorcee (1934)

The Gay Divorcee is a good example of Depression-era escapism at its best. The glamorous Ginger Rogers was already a big star and the debonair Fred Astaire was on his way to becoming one. The viewer is treated to a feast of opulence free from the cares of the world -- except the ones necessary to provide the film with a plot. The film's happy ending is welcomingly contrived in a way that protects the morality of the primary characters, providing the audience with a guilt-free, feel-good conclusion. The music and the dancing of Astaire and Rogers are the primary reasons why current-day audiences continue to enjoy The Gay Divorcee. Among the musical highlights is The Continental, a witty and sophisticated exercise in flirting that brought the first-ever Best Song Oscar to Con Conrad and Herb Magidson. ~ Richard Gilliam, All Movie Guide