Kitty Foyle (1940)

My Review

For the first time in her career, Ginger Rogers played dramatic role in “Kitty Foyle” which completely changed her song-and-dance image to that of a serious leading lady. This is the story of a working class woman from Philadelphia who becomes engaged to a wealthy socialite and soon finds herself at odds with his austere family. It was expertly directed by Sam Wood (“Goodbye, Mr. Chips” 1939) from an outstanding screenplay by Dalton Trumbo, adapted from the 1939 novel of the same name by Christopher Morley.

The cast includes Ginger Rogers, Dennis Morgan, James Craig, Edward Ciannelli, Gladys Cooper, and Ernest Cossart as Pop. “Kitty Foyle” was the tenth highest grossing film of 1940 for RKO Radio Pictures. It was nominated for five Academy Awards, winning one for Best Actress for Ginger Rogers. Non-winners include Best Picture, Best Director, Best Screenplay, and Best Sound Recording.