DuBarry Was a Lady

Du Barry Was a Lady, released in 1943, is a Technicolor musical comedy from Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer that pairs the slapstick genius of Red Skelton with the glamour of Lucille Ball and the dance prowess of Gene Kelly. Directed by Roy Del Ruth, the film adapts the 1939 Broadway musical of the same name, trading the stage's intimate scale for MGM's trademark lavish production numbers. The story follows a nightclub washroom attendant who dreams of being King Louis XV, and after a dose of a love potion, he finds himself transported to 18th-century France, where he competes with the king for the affections of a beautiful woman, played by Ball. Kelly, in one of his early film roles, plays the charming rival, while Tommy Dorsey and His Orchestra supply the swing-era soundtrack. The film also features Virginia O'Brien, Zero Mostel, and Donald Meek in supporting roles. While it didn't break box office records, it showcased MGM's ability to blend star power, color, and music into a crowd-pleasing package, and it remains a colorful snapshot of wartime Hollywood escapism. [edit]

Louis Blore (Red Skelton) is a lovesick hat-check attendant at a swanky New York nightclub, hopelessly smitten with May Daly (Lucille Ball), the club's star singer. May, however, is torn between her genuine love for Alec Howe (Gene Kelly), a talented but broke dancer, and her determination to marry for money. Her pragmatic plan clashes with her heart, setting up the film's central conflict.

Louis, a dreamer, fantasizes about being King Louis XV, imagining he could command May's affection by royal decree. The nightclub provides a lively backdrop for musical numbers by Tommy Dorsey and His Orchestra, with Virginia O'Brien's deadpan comedy and Zero Mostel's antics adding to the fun. The plot takes a fantastical turn when Louis accidentally drinks a drugged cocktail, sending him into an elaborate dream where he is King Louis XV in 18th-century France. In his dream, May appears as Madame Du Barry, and Alec as a rival courtier. Louis uses his royal power to compete for May's love, but his bumbling, common-man sensibilities clash hilariously with the aristocratic setting.

MGM's opulence shines in the dream sequences, with lavish period costumes and grand sets in Technicolor. The film weaves between contemporary nightclub scenes and historical fantasy, with swing arrangements contrasting with period-inspired production numbers. As the dream unfolds, the question remains: will May choose love with Alec or security through a wealthy marriage? And will Louis's devotion ever be requited?[edit]