Released in 1934, The Gay Divorcee is a romantic musical comedy film starring Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers. It was one of the earliest films to showcase their legendary on-screen chemistry and is widely regarded as one of the best dance musicals of the 1930s. The movie is based on the Broadway play Gay Divorce but was slightly altered to suit the film format.
With a mix of romance, mistaken identities, and comedic misunderstandings, The Gay Divorcee became a major hit and established Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers as Hollywood’s most beloved dance duo. Below, we take a closer look at the film’s engaging plot, key characters, and unforgettable moments.
The Main Plot of The Gay Divorcee
1. Guy and Mimi’s First Meeting
The story follows Guy Holden (Fred Astaire), an American dancer traveling to England. At the beginning of the film, Guy meets Mimi Glossop (Ginger Rogers) in a chance encounter. Mimi is a beautiful young woman who is trying to free herself from an unhappy marriage. Their meeting is humorous—Guy accidentally helps her with a stuck suitcase, which leads to a brief but memorable interaction.
Guy is immediately charmed by Mimi’s beauty and elegance, but she quickly disappears, leaving him intrigued.
2. Mimi’s Divorce Plan
Mimi is in England with the goal of securing a divorce from her husband, whom she has not seen in years. Since divorces were difficult to obtain during that time, Mimi’s lawyer, Egbert “Pinky” Fitzgerald (Edward Everett Horton), arranges for her to be caught in a compromising situation. The plan is to hire a professional “correspondent”, a man who will pretend to be her lover, providing grounds for the divorce.
Unbeknownst to Mimi, this “correspondent” is Tontero (Erik Rhodes), a ridiculous and over-the-top Italian man.
3. Mistaken Identity and Romantic Confusion
Things take a turn when Guy coincidentally arrives at the same seaside resort where Mimi is staying. He is still infatuated with her and, unaware of her plan, believes she is single. He pursues her romantically, convinced that she shares his feelings.
At the same time, Mimi mistakes Guy for Tontero, the man she believes was hired to be part of her fake affair. This misunderstanding leads to a series of comedic situations, with Mimi trying to keep up appearances while Guy remains confused about her distant behavior.
4. Love, Dance, and Laughter
Despite the confusion, Guy and Mimi share several romantic moments, including the film’s most famous dance sequence to “Night and Day” by Cole Porter. Their dance, filled with elegance and passion, showcases their growing feelings for each other.
Meanwhile, Egbert and Tontero’s involvement only adds to the chaos, as their bumbling attempts to finalize the divorce plan result in even more misunderstandings.
5. The Truth Comes Out
As the plot unfolds, the truth about the mistaken identities is revealed. Mimi realizes that Guy is not the man she was supposed to meet for the staged affair, and Guy learns about her divorce plan.
Fortunately, by this point, Mimi has fallen in love with Guy, and he feels the same about her. After some comedic twists, the situation is resolved, and Mimi’s divorce is granted—but not because of the staged affair. Instead, the court grants it due to her husband’s actual unfaithfulness.
6. A Happy Ending
With the misunderstandings cleared up, Guy and Mimi are free to be together. The film ends on a joyful note, celebrating love, laughter, and, of course, dance.
Key Themes in The Gay Divorcee
1. Romance and Comedy
The film blends lighthearted humor with charming romance, making it an engaging and entertaining watch. The witty dialogue, misunderstandings, and playful banter between characters create a fun and delightful atmosphere.
2. Dance as a Form of Expression
One of the highlights of the film is Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers’ dance sequences. Their movements express emotions that words cannot, making their romance feel even more magical. The “Night and Day” dance is one of the most iconic performances in movie history.
3. Social Commentary on Divorce
At the time, divorce was a complicated legal process, especially for women. The film humorously portrays the lengths people had to go to in order to get a divorce, offering a satirical take on outdated laws.
Why The Gay Divorcee is a Must-Watch
- It features the legendary partnership of Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers.
- The dance sequences are breathtaking and beautifully choreographed.
- The film’s comedic misunderstandings make it an entertaining and engaging watch.
- Classic songs like The Continental, which won the first-ever Academy Award for Best Original Song, add to the film’s charm.
The Gay Divorcee is a timeless romantic comedy filled with humor, charm, and dazzling dance performances. The story of mistaken identity, love, and playful misunderstandings continues to captivate audiences decades after its release.
Whether you’re a fan of classic Hollywood films, musicals, or romantic comedies, The Gay Divorcee is a must-watch that delivers both laughter and unforgettable dance moments.