Judy O'Brien is an aspiring ballerina in a dance troupe. Also in the company is Bubbles, a brash mantrap who leaves the struggling troupe for a career in burlesque. When the company disbands, Bubbles gives Judy a thankless job as her stooge. The two eventually clash when both fall for the same man.
Direction
Arzner's gaze reverses the male audience's leering.
Acting
Ball's comic timing masks genuine pathos.
Writing
Judy's fourth-wall speech to the crowd still slaps.
Director
Dorothy Arzner
Maureen O'Hara
Judy O'Brien
Louis Hayward
Jimmy Harris
Lucille Ball
Bubbles
Virginia Field
Elinor Harris
Ralph Bellamy
Steve Adams
Maria Ouspenskaya
Madame Basilova
Mary Carlisle
Sally
Katharine Alexander
Miss Olmstead
Edward Brophy
Dwarfie
Walter Abel
Judge
Harold Huber
Hoboken Gent
Ernest Truex
Bailey #1
Chester Clute
Bailey #2
Lorraine Krueger
Dolly
Trivia, insights & behind the scenes
Arzner was the only female director working in Hollywood during the studio era, and her films subtly queer the male gaze.
Judy's monologue to the burlesque audience—where she refuses to be objectified—was radically feminist for 1940 and still feels confrontational.
No ratings yet
Sign in to join the discussion — comments are spoiler-gated to your watch progress.
Discussion starters
US
