Vivacious Lady

by guest writer

Vivacious Lady (1938) is one of the lustiest screwball comedies you will have a chance to see. George Stevens’ experience within the comedy field was an extensive one, dating back to short films with Laurel and Hardy. This time he tries his hand with an intelligent screwball, comparable with The Major and the Minor (1942), The Man Who Came to Dinner (1942) and Preston Sturges’ best works. Clever lines are part of a complexly funny screenplay, that begins with Peter’s (James Stewart’s) encounter with Francey (Ginger Rogers, who deserves all the praise for her comical role), who works in a saloon as a singer.

A classic ‘one eye in love’ kind of a movie, the two become infatuated with one another and decide to get married away from Peter’s native town. What becomes of the couple once they get to meet Peter’s family? Unforgettable scenes unfold once the couple reach Peter’s hometown, culminating with a scrumptious moment between Francey and Peter’s ex-fiance at the university ball when the rivalries start showing off. The cast was meticulously gathered including Charles Coburn (Mr. Morgan) and Beulah Bondi (Mrs. Morgan) as Peter’s parents looking out for the boy’s future, resulting in countless moments of laughter.

photo: still from the film | credit: RKO Radio Pictures