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Poster for The Story of Vernon and Irene Castle

The Story of Vernon and Irene Castle

Seen it?

1939 | 93 min | Music, Romance

Sunday Safe Betearly rating

Why it’s a Sunday Safe Bet

It earned strong reviews (86% on Rotten Tomatoes), though it had almost no lasting buzz and soft box office. A safe bet when you want something reliable.

Based on critics, audiences, awards, box office and buzz. Details below.

Is it for you?

Who'll love it
Made for romantics.
The mood
Warm and romantic.
The pace
Moves along nicely, at 1 hr 33 min.
What might put you off
  • Rated PG: peril. Worth a look first if you have very young kids.
  • Made in 1939: an older pace and style.

In 1911, minor stage comic, Vernon Castle meets the stage-struck Irene Foote. A few misadventures later, they marry and then abandon comedy to attempt a dancing career together. While they're performing in Paris, an agent sees them rehearse and starts them on their brilliant career as the world's foremost ballroom dancers. However, at the height of their fame, World War I begins.

How it earned its rating

  • CriticsStrong

    86% on Rotten Tomatoes

  • AudiencesNot counted

    Not measured yet: not enough ratings

  • AwardsNot counted

    No major awards or nominations

  • Box office & staying powerBelow par

    $2 million worldwide on a $1 million budget; still draws a steady audience long after release

  • Buzz & cultural impactWeak

    About 10K people sought it out in the past year

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Cast & crew

Directed by H. C. Potter

  • Fred AstaireVernon Castle
  • Ginger RogersIrene Castle
  • Edna May OliverMaggie Sutton
  • Walter BrennanWalter
  • Lew FieldsLew Fields
  • Etienne GirardotPapa Aubel
  • Janet BeecherMrs. Foote
  • Rolfe SedanEmile Aubel
  • Leonid KinskeyArtist
  • Robert StrangeDr. Foote