Lady For A Day

Star Review

Damon Runyon's story, 'Madame la Gimp', played a pivotal part in Frank
Capra's career. In 1933, he adapted it for Columbia Pictures as Lady for a Day and earned the studio its first ever Oscar nominations when it was cited for Best Picture, Direction, Actress and Adapted Screenplay. 28 years later, he returned to the tale of an apple vendor who informs her daughter that she's a wealthy socialite for his final feature, A Pocketful of Miracles. However, the original was easily the best. Indeed, it was the prototype Capra-corn picture.
Scripted by his regular collaborator, Robert Riskin, it suggested that rather than bringing America to its knees, the Depression brought out the best in people. Hence, gangster Dave the Dude's determination to help Apple Annie pass herself off as a lady of means during her absentee daughter's visit to the States with her fiancé and his aristocratic father.
Capra and Riskin took the sentimental curse off the scenario by forcing the cast to rattle through the dialogue, which not only caught the argot of Runyon's New York, but also overlapped like everyday speech. Consequently, underrated screen stalwarts like Warren William, Glenda Farrell and Ned Sparks all turned in impeccable performances as the gold-hearted lowlifes. But Broadway veteran May Robson still stole the show, in a role initially earmarked for the ailing Marie Dressler.
Also worth noting is the photography of Joseph Walker (who eventually shot 18 Capra films), which not only created a cityscape that was both mundane and magical, but also anticipated the deep-focus realism for which the likes of Gregg Toland would later be celebrated.

David Parkinson on 11th August 2006

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Film Description

Nominated for four Oscars, this is one of Capra's best films, with a wonderful performance from May Robson as Apple Annie. Poor peddler Annie has always written to her daughter in Spain as if she were a member of New York's high society. When her daughter gets engaged, the couple decides to visit Annie along with the fiance's father, a Spanish count, who will not give his blessing unless he finds Annie is wealthy. With the help of local gambler, Dave the Dude, she must suddenly transform herself into a grand dame. Based on a story by Damon Runyan.

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Film Details

Cast

Warren William, May Robson

Technical Details