Du Barry Was a Lady

Du Barry Was a Lady is a delightful, whimsical, musical comedy that was produced in 1943. Enriched with the formidable talent of Hollywood legends such as Red Skelton, Lucille Ball, and Gene Kelly, the movie is a captivating fusion of humor, romance, and dreamy fantasies.

The film is anchored around the comedic talent of the charismatic actor Red Skelton who plays the lead character, Louis Blore. Louis is an affable, jovial character working as a bathroom attendant at a swanky nightclub in New York. However, his heart resides elsewhere- with the club's dazzling singer May Daly, enchantingly portrayed by Lucille Ball. Although Louis is head over heels in love with May, she is oblivious to his feelings and harbors a growing affection for the nightclub's suave lead performer, Alec Howe, who is played by the ever-energetic Gene Kelly.

As the narrative unfolds, Louis surprisingly emerges as the winner of a Sweepstakes ticket and finds himself suddenly rich, enhancing the ensuing hilarious complications. With the winds of fortune now favoring him, Louis is driven by the laudable intention of winning over May's heart. Surrounded by the glitz and glamour of the 1940s and strive to win May's heart, Louis's adventure forms the crux of the storyline, leading to a series of comedic twists.

The film boasts of an impressive dream sequence transporting the characters back to the 18th-century French court. The dream metamorphoses the roles of the characters. Louis embodies King Louis XV, May is reimagined as Madame Du Barry, and Alec becomes the Black Arrow. This fanciful sequence is replete with extravagant costumes, grand sets and exhilarating song and dance performances, illuminating the screen with vivid melodic vigor.

The film is a tableau of exemplary performances, conspicuous with the remarkable comedic timing of Red Skelton. His humor is balanced by the radiant beauty and charm of Lucille Ball who stands out both as the desirable songstress May Daly and the elegant Madame Du Barry. The back-and-forth between these characters brings the audience lots of laughs, while also adding a rich texture to the overall narrative.

Gene Kelly's compelling performance as Alec Howe cannot be overlooked. His athletic dance routines and vocal skills are outstanding. Watch out for the notable dance sequence where Kelly performs an athletic solo dance to a rhumba rhythm, a true testament to his extraordinary talent.

In addition to the three leads, the movie also flaunts a commendable ensemble cast. Actors like Virginia O'Brien, Donald Meek, and Tommy Dorsey offer more than just support to the leads – their performances are imbued with their own distinct flavor, further enhancing the film's charm.

Du Barry Was a Lady is a vibrant amalgamation of romance, music, comedy, and dreamlike ambience. Its strength lies in its brilliant script, combined with striking performances from its cast. The film is a reflection of the glamour associated with the golden age of Hollywood musicals, with top-notch production quality and spellbinding musical scores. The vivacious energy of the performances, infectious humor, and the lively musical numbers effectively transport the audience into an enchanting world.

Directed by Roy Del Ruth, this 1943 film effectively uses color to complement its lavish production design and costumes, which mirror the opulence of a classic Hollywood musical. Every frame of the movie is resplendent, and the use of technicolor brings out the vibrancy and splendid visuals, making it a nostalgic, cinematic treat.

The movie's soundtrack is an enjoyable ride as well, adorned with the compositions of Cole Porter. The music beautifully complements the story's changing moods and stages, from foot-tapping big band numbers to romantic tunes, quite often delivered by the smooth-as-velvet voice of Lucille Ball.

In conclusion, Du Barry Was a Lady is a kaleidoscope of photographic splendor, tuneful songs, and colorful humor, creating an engaging cinema experience. It is an eloquent tribute to the classic Hollywood musical, a testament to the talents of its stars, and an undeniable delight for audiences who appreciate vintage cinema packed with music, laughter, and romance.