Du Barry Was a Lady 1943
"THE BIG SHOW is BIGGER THAN EVER!"
Step into the dazzling world of *Du Barry Was a Lady (1943)*, Roy Del Ruth's lavish blend of comedy, fantasy, and musical escapism. At its heart, the story follows Louis Blore, a lovable hat-check attendant hopelessly smitten with May Daly, a glamorous nightclub star.
Director: Roy Del Ruth
Cast
Red Skelton
Louis Blore / King Louis XV
Lucille Ball
May Daly / Madame Du Barry
Gene Kelly
Alec Howe / Black Arrow
Virginia O'Brien
Ginny
Rags Ragland
Charlie / Dauphin
Zero Mostel
Rami, the Swami / Taliostra
Tommy Dorsey
Tommy Dorsey
Donald Meek
Mr. Jones / Duc de Choiseul
Douglass Dumbrille
Willie / Duc de Rigor
George Givot
Cheezy / Count de Roquefort
Frequently Asked Questions
What is *Du Barry Was a Lady (1943)* about?
The film centers on Louis Blore, a humble hat-check worker who wins the Irish Sweepstakes and proposes to his crush, nightclub star May Daly. After a bump on the head, Louis imagines himself as King Louis XV, tangled in a comedic royal romance with the legendary Madame Du Barry. It's a whirlwind of mistaken identity, slapstick humor, and lavish musical numbers.
Who directed *Du Barry Was a Lady*?
Roy Del Ruth directed this sparkling 1943 musical comedy, known for his work with stars like Red Skelton and Gene Kelly.
Who stars in *Du Barry Was a Lady*?
The film features Red Skelton as Louis Blore, Lucille Ball as May Daly, Gene Kelly in a showstopping role, Virginia O'Brien, and Rags Ragland—all under the spotlight of Gene Kelly's choreography.
Is *Du Barry Was a Lady (1943)* worth watching?
If you love classic musicals with sharp humor and dazzling dance sequences, this film is a gem. While it doesn't carry an IMDb rating for reference, its star-studded cast and timeless appeal make it a delightful pick for fans of 1940s entertainment.
How long is *Du Barry Was a Lady*?
The film runs for 101 minutes, offering a perfect dose of escapism in just over an hour and a half.
🎥 Trailer
About Du Barry Was a Lady (1943) — Red Skelton's Hilarious Royal Fantasy Musical
Step into the dazzling world of *Du Barry Was a Lady (1943)*, Roy Del Ruth's lavish blend of comedy, fantasy, and musical escapism. At its heart, the story follows Louis Blore, a lovable hat-check attendant hopelessly smitten with May Daly, a glamorous nightclub star. When Louis strikes it rich with the Irish Sweepstakes, May sees dollar signs and agrees to marry him—despite not loving him. But the real magic unfolds when Louis drifts into a wild, dreamlike fantasy where he becomes King Louis XV and embarks on a zany, romantic chase with the infamous Madame Du Barry. This MGM musical brims with wit, show-stopping dance numbers, and Red Skelton's signature slapstick charm, all wrapped in a surreal, satirical take on 18th-century royalty.
The film's infectious energy is powered by Gene Kelly's electrifying dance sequences and Lucille Ball's comedic sparkle, making *Du Barry Was a Lady* a treat for fans of classic Hollywood razzle-dazzle. With its playful mashup of history and hilarity, the movie explores themes of love, ambition, and the absurd lengths people go for fortune—all while delivering nonstop laughs and unforgettable performances. Whether you're a fan of 1940s musicals or just craving some lighthearted escapism, this film delivers a royal flush of entertainment.
