Watch Roberta

Roberta is a charming musical film released in 1935, directed by William A. Seiter, and starring Irene Dunne, Fred Astaire, and Ginger Rogers. It is based on the 1933 novel Gowns by Roberta by Alice Duer Miller. In the film, Dunne plays Stephanie, an American fashion designer who travels to Paris with her aunt to create a new collection of dresses for charity. Stephanie's aunt is a former Russian Countess who runs a local fashion boutique. However, when Stephanie's aunt falls ill, she is forced to take over the business, which is struggling to survive. Soon, she meets a young Russian aristocrat named Alexis (Randolph Scott), who claims to be her aunt's long-lost lover. Together, they try to save the business while resurrecting the glamour and fashion of Paris.

The movie also features Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers as two dance partners, Huck and Lizzie. They arrive in Paris looking for work, and after being mistaken for the hotel's maids, they are hired to work in the café downstairs. Huck is a former American football player while Lizzie is a witty and charming performer. Together, they provide some of the most memorable dance numbers in the film, including the classic "Smoke Gets in Your Eyes."

As the story progresses, Alexis and Stephanie fall in love, but their relationship is threatened by his family's opposition to their union. Meanwhile, Huck and Lizzie's relationship heats up, and they become the talk of the town with their remarkable dance performances. However, when Stephanie's lost love John (Ralph Forbes) returns to Paris, things become more complicated.

The music in the film is composed by Jerome Kern and Oscar Hammerstein II, and the lyrics are by Otto Harbach. Songs like "Yesterdays," "I Won't Dance," and "Lovely to Look At" are still popular today and have been covered by numerous artists. The musical sequences are perfectly choreographed, and the dance numbers are still remembered as some of the most iconic in movie history.

The movie is also noted for its stunning costume designs by Bernard Newman, which show off the glamour and sophistication of Parisian fashion. The visuals and sets transport the audience to a world of elegance and beauty and serve as a reminder of the grandeur of the 1930s.

In summary, Roberta is a romantic comedy that celebrates love, fashion, and dance. It is a classic movie that has stood the test of time and remains to be a favorite of people of all ages. The performances by Irene Dunne, Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers, and the musical score by Jerome Kern make Roberta a dazzling cinematic experience. The movie perfectly captures the essence of Paris in the 1930s and highlights the importance of perseverance, friendship, and never giving up on your goals.

Roberta is a 1935 comedy with a runtime of 1 hour and 46 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.0 and a MetaScore of 66.