Whenever I hear the name Ginger Rogers, I am instantly reminded of Ann Richards' keynote address to the Democratic National Convention in 1988.
After mentioning that she was following in Barbara Jordan's footsteps ("two women in 160 years is about par for the course"), Richards asserted that women could come through if given a chance. "After all, Ginger Rogers did everything Fred Astaire did. She just did it backwards and in high heels."
I later learned that comic strip artist Bob Thaves originated the line several years earlier in his comic strip, Frank and Ernest. But that doesn't change the fact that I always think of Richards when I think of that line — and I always think of that line when I hear the name of Ginger Rogers.
Before Richards' speech, the mention of Ginger Rogers' name brought back memories of my film appreciation class in college. I thoroughly enjoyed that class. It met for two hours twice a week, and the instructor showed us a lot of classic movies that semester. One of those movies was the first Rogers–Astaire film I ever saw, "Top Hat," which, after having seen some other Rogers–Astaire movies since my college days, I would say is one of the two best films those two ever made (the other being "The Gay Divorcee").
I've seen some of the movies Rogers made without Astaire, and I will agree with anyone who says she was talented, an excellent dancer, an amusing comedienne. I must admit, though, that I'm not really sure why Rogers was chosen to be Turner Classic Movies' Star of the Month for this particular month. It isn't her birthday (her birthday was in July), and next month actually will be 15 years since her death.
Nevertheless, TCM has been showing her movies on Wednesdays this month, and there are some good ones on the schedule tonight. Not necessarily her best, but worth your time.
- At 7 p.m. (Central), you can see "Vivacious Lady" from 1938. Jimmy Stewart co–starred in the romantic comedy about a botany professor who marries a nightclub singer.
- At 8:45 p.m. (Central), you can see "Bachelor Mother" from 1939. Rogers was a department store salesgirl in that one, a single working girl who led a somewhat unassuming life until discovering a baby on her doorstep. Rogers turned in a sensitive performance at a time when an unmarried woman and a baby was a much more controversial premise for a movie than it is today.
- Then, at 10:15 p.m. (Central), you can see "Stage Door" from 1937. It's the story of a theatrical community, and the cast features Katharine Hepburn, Lucille Ball, Eve Arden and Ann Miller. None of those actresses were nominated for an Oscar, but the film was nominated for Best Picture, Best Director and Best Screenplay.
- Finally, at midnight (Central), you can see "Having Wonderful Time" from 1938. Rogers plays a typist who goes to a camp as a summer getaway — in part to get away from a boyfriend in whom she is no longer interested. She is paired, once again, with Ball and Arden, neither of whom has much to work with but both do what they can with what they're given. It should be an enjoyable way to finish the evening.
