His Butler's Sister is a 1943 American romantic comedy film directed by Frank Borzage and starring Deanna Durbin.[3] The supporting cast includes Franchot Tone, Pat O'Brien, Akim Tamiroff, Evelyn Ankers and Hans Conried.[4] The film was nominated for an Oscar for Best Sound Recording (Bernard B. Brown).[5]
| His Butler's Sister | |
|---|---|
 Theatrical release poster | |
| Directed by | Frank Borzage |
| Screenplay by | |
| Produced by | Felix Jackson |
| Starring | Deanna Durbin |
| Cinematography | Elwood Bredell |
| Edited by | Ted J. Kent |
| Music by | Hans J. Salter |
Production company | |
| Distributed by | Universal Pictures |
Release date |
|
Running time | 87 minutes |
| Country | United States |
| Language | English |
| Box office | $1.7 million (US rentals)[1] or $1,750,000[2] |
Plot
editAnn Carter visits New York City to see her half-brother, and to try to start a music career. He works as a butler for Charles Gerard, a Broadway producer, so Ann gets a job working for him as a maid.
Durbin performs a notable medley of Russian folk songs including "Yamschtschick", "Kalitka" and "Two Guitars." (American Film Institute Catalog)
Cast
edit- Deanna Durbin as Ann Carter
- Franchot Tone as Charles Gerard
- Pat O'Brien as Martin Murphy
- Akim Tamiroff as Popoff
- Alan Mowbray as Buzz Jenkins
- Walter Catlett as Mortimer Kalb
- Elsa Janssen as Severina
- Evelyn Ankers as Elizabeth Campbell
- Frank Jenks as Emmett
- Sig Arno as Moreno
- Hans Conried as Reeves
- Florence Bates as Lady Sloughberry
- Roscoe Karns as Fields
- Russell Hicks as Sanderson
- Andrew Tombes as Brophy
- Stephanie Bachelor as Dot Stanley
- Marion Pierce as Margaret Howard
- Iris Adrian as Sunshine Twin
- Robin Raymond as Sunshine Twin
Production
editThe film was announced in January 1943.[6] In April, Frank Borzage signed to direct and Pat O'Brien to star.[7] In May, Franchot Tone signed to play the male lead. The film was then known as My Girl Godfrey.[8] Durbin enjoyed working with Borzage.[9]
References
edit- ^ "Top Grossers of the Season", Variety, January 5, 1944 p. 54
- ^ Kennedy, Paul P (July 30, 1944). "NOTES ON A 'FIRST LADY': Ireland's Geraldine Fitzgerald Talks of Her Role as Mrs. Wilson -- Other Items on the Ginema Scene". New York Times. p. X3.
- ^ Mark Deming (2009). "His Butler's Sister (1943)". Movies & TV Dept. The New York Times. Archived from the original on November 15, 2009. Retrieved September 9, 2012.
- ^ "His Butler's Sister". FilmAffinity. filmaffinity.com. Retrieved December 29, 2015.
- ^ "The 17th Academy Awards (1945) Nominees and Winners". Oscars. Retrieved August 15, 2011.
- ^ Schallert, Edwin (January 29, 1943). "DRAMA: Sheehan Will Produce Life of Rickenbacker". Los Angeles Times. p. 23.
- ^ "News of the Screen". The Christian Science Monitor. April 29, 1943. p. 16.
- ^ "Franchot Tone to Appear With Deanna Durbin 'My Girl Godfrey' -- New Hal Roach Comedy". THE NEW YORK TIMES. May 25, 1943. p. 19.
- ^ Schallert, Edwin (August 1, 1943). "DRAMA AND FILM: WHILE THE FILMS REEL BY New Deanna Durbin Brought to Screen". Los Angeles Times. p. C2.
External links
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