Stevecorp Don't listen to the negative reviews

Solidrariol Am I Missing Something?

Freaktana A Major Disappointment

AutCuddly Great movie! If you want to be entertained and have a few good laughs, see this movie. The music is also very good,

mark.waltz This fantasy of depression life in New York was like "Gold Diggers of 1933" in its sympathy to the variety of character types who roamed the theatre district in search of a future. If Little Orphan Annie at this time was hoping for an escape from Miss Hannigan's reign of terror at the orphanage, the aged Apple Annie was hoping to find a way to bring happiness to her beautiful daughter raised in a Spanish convent and now engaged to a nobleman whose father wants to meet the mother in order to approve the match. The help of jaded gambler Warren William, crusty Ned Sparks, dipsomaniac judge Guy Kibbee and nightclub entertainer Glenda Farrell might just put the scheme of making her look like a lady (shades of "Pygmallion"), showing that at least in Runyeonland, gangsters have good hearts, especially if an apple a day brings luck at the race track.Character actress May Robson brings much heart to the down-on-her-luck Annie who longs to see her daughter at least one last time and be seen as the great lady she could have been rather than the poor street vendor she has become. Warren William escapes from the playboys and ruthless businessmen he was playing over at Warner Brothers to take on one of his most memorable roles as the good-hearted gangster (a staple in Damon Runyeon tales) while Ned Sparks gets most of the funniest lines. He delivers them with a cigar in his mouth, acid spewing and joy exploding out of every wisecrack he makes. Nat Pendleton is also amusing as the lovable dumb lug Shakespeare, Williams' right hand man.The chemistry between Robson and Guy Kibbee (pretending to be her husband) is totally charming, giving the impression that there will be a nice September romance once the story we see on screen ends. Parker is lovely as the innocent daughter, but Barry Norton and Walter Connelly seem miscast as Spanish nobility. That is a minor flaw through a film that totally engrosses you and goes straight to the heart.

wes-connors New York City gangster Warren William (as "Dave the Dude") thinks buying apples from alcoholic street hag May Robson (as "Apple Annie") bring him luck. The secretive Ms. Robson is supporting both a drinking habit and a daughter, schooled in a Barcelona, Spain convent. When pretty Jean Parker (as Louise) decides to visit, she is expecting mother Robson to be a wealthy society woman, due to Robson's misleading letters. The pressure renders Robson too drunk to panhandle, and Mr. William can't buy his lucky apples.Discovering the problem, William and his underworld pals rally to make Robson the "high society" lady her daughter is expecting. Pool-hustling Judge Guy Kibbee (as Henry Blake) agrees to pose as Robson's courtly husband; and, the duplicitous couple greet Ms. Parker, who arrives with well-heeled fiancé Barry Norton (as Carlos Romero) and his father, Count Walter Connolly. The able gang of supporting players, like wise-cracking Ned Sparks (as Happy), is industriously entertaining; but, the film does slow down during the second half.This was director Frank Capra's first version of apple-yielding writer Damon Runyon's chestnut. Mr. Capra re-made it as his last film, "Pocketful of Miracles" (1961), with Glenn Ford and Bette Davis. This "Lady for a Day" is the superior version; despite the creakier production values, which help give it some of the old-fashioned charm the re-make fails to achieve. Capra's fine direction and Robson's lovely performance placed second in the annual "Oscar" race, after Frank Lloyd "Cavalcade" and Katharine Hepburn "Morning Glory".******* Lady for a Day (9/7/33) Frank Capra ~ May Robson, Warren William, Guy Kibbee, Ned Sparks

diana-2 Others have said it all! However, check out the beautiful love scene photographed through a glass fountain. Absolutely GORGEOUS! Solid performances from the stars right down to the supporting actors. I think we hardly ever see great supporting actors like these any more. Frank Capra wrote about this movie in his autobiography, apparently one of his first hits, using the recipe of lesser-known actors, a great scriptwriter, and a low budget. He relies heavily on the great supporting actors available to him and gave them all a Runyon-esquire quality which never fails to please. They are all just great! Check this movie out! It gets better every time I see it!

dfree30684 this is the film that precedes IT HAPPENED ONE NIGHT for the team of Frank Capra (director) and Robert Riskin (screenwriter). Sadly it's not regarded as one of his beloved classics...it deserves to be. William Warren is the perfect Dave the Dude, who's heart of gold aids the distressed aged damsel (May Robson...the titled LADY FOR A DAY). Most of it's innocent charm and humor haven't faded over the 71 years since it's release. Speaking of 70's...at 74 May Robson was the oldest actress to receive a Best Actress nomination.the scene near the end; where she's received by the real mayor of New York and his party guests at her phony party (meant to show off her "society" friends to her daughter, and future inlaws) is priceless. Miss Robson's quiet, teary eyed smile will still bring the viewer to near tears today. Also, Guy Kibbie, and Ned Sparks provide reliable comic support. a must see for all Capra fans.