Fifth Avenue Girl (1939) in Color — Starring Ginger Rogers & Walter Connolly

Fifth Avenue Girl (1939) — Buy This Classic in Color

Buy Fifth Avenue Girl (1939) in color — Gregory La Cava’s sparkling screwball comedy, now professionally colorized and restored in stunning HD quality. Starring the incomparable Ginger Rogers as a sharp-witted young woman who turns a wealthy family’s world upside down, this delightful RKO gem delivers razor-sharp class satire wrapped in rapid-fire romantic comedy. Featuring an outstanding ensemble cast including Walter Connolly, Verree Teasdale, James Ellison, and Tim Holt, this film remains one of the finest examples of 1930s screwball comedy. Available as an instant, DRM-free digital download for immediate enjoyment.

Plot Summary

Down-on-her-luck Mary Grey (Ginger Rogers) is an unemployed young woman wandering Central Park on a cold evening when she catches the attention of bored and unhappy millionaire Mr. Borden (Walter Connolly). Feeling neglected by his self-absorbed family, the wealthy industrialist impulsively invites Mary to dinner at his opulent Fifth Avenue mansion. What begins as an innocent evening quickly spirals into hilarious chaos when Borden decides to keep Mary around as a houseguest, hoping her presence will shake his dysfunctional family out of their complacency. This classic movie continues to captivate new generations of viewers.

Mrs. Borden (Verree Teasdale) is consumed with superficial social climbing and barely notices her husband. Son Tim Borden (Tim Holt) has fallen under the spell of radical political ideas, while daughter Katherine Borden (Kathryn Adams) is entangled in a questionable romance. The ever-proper butler Higgins (Franklin Pangborn) does his best to maintain decorum as the household descends into pandemonium. Meanwhile, the family chauffeur Mike (James Ellison) develops romantic feelings for Mary, adding yet another layer of complication to the escalating farce.

As Mary’s presence forces each family member to confront their own absurdities, jealousies erupt, secret alliances form, and the social order of the Borden household is turned completely on its head. The scheming Dr. Kessler (Louis Calhern) and the loyal housekeeper Olga (Ferike Boros) each play their parts in the unfolding comedy of errors, while the fastidious Terwilliger (Theodore von Eltz) adds to the parade of memorable characters. Through her street-smart charm and unapologetic honesty, Mary Grey becomes the unlikely catalyst that forces this privileged family to rediscover what truly matters, proving that sometimes an outsider’s perspective is exactly what the upper crust needs.

Cast & Crew

• Director: Gregory La Cava
• Starring: Ginger Rogers as Mary Grey, Walter Connolly as Mr. Borden, Verree Teasdale as Mrs. Borden, James Ellison as Mike, Tim Holt as Tim Borden, Kathryn Adams as Katherine Borden, Franklin Pangborn as Higgins, Ferike Boros as Olga, Louis Calhern as Dr. Kessler, Theodore von Eltz as Terwilliger
• Runtime: 83 minutes
• Year: 1939
• Rated: Approved
• Genre: Comedy, Romance

Why Buy This Classic in Color?

This professionally colorized version of Fifth Avenue Girl breathes stunning new life into Gregory La Cava’s witty social satire. The vibrant colorization highlights the glamorous world of 1930s Fifth Avenue — from the Borden family’s lavishly decorated mansion interiors to Ginger Rogers’ chic wardrobe and the lush greenery of Central Park. Every scene is enriched with era-appropriate hues that capture the elegance and excess of New York’s upper class during the golden age of Hollywood.

The professional frame-by-frame colorization process preserves every nuance of the original cinematography while adding visual depth and warmth to each comedic set piece. Watch the contrast between Mary Grey’s modest attire and the Borden family’s extravagant surroundings come alive in vivid color. The added visual richness amplifies Ginger Rogers’ expressive performance and the ensemble cast’s impeccable comic timing, making every witty exchange and slapstick moment even more engaging. Also available in colour for international viewers.

Historical Significance

Released in 1939 during Hollywood’s Golden Age of screwball comedies, Fifth Avenue Girl showcases Ginger Rogers in a rare non-musical leading role that highlights her remarkable talent for comedy. Director Gregory La Cava, fresh off the success of My Man Godfrey (1936), brings his signature blend of sophisticated humor and social commentary to this tale of class collision. The film captures the pre-World War II fascination with wealth inequality and the enduring comedic appeal of an outsider disrupting high society. Rogers earned critical praise for her effortless charm and sharp comedic delivery, proving she was far more than Fred Astaire’s dancing partner.

Technical Details

• Original Format: Black and White (1939)
• Colorized: Professional frame-by-frame HD colorization and restoration
• Resolution: HD 720p
• File Format: MP4 / MKV
• Running Time: 83 minutes
• Language: English
• Delivery: Instant download link on-screen and sent to your email upon purchase
• Price: €15.00
• License: Personal, non-commercial use

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Movie-Specific Questions

Q: How does Ginger Rogers’ character transform the Borden family?
Mary Grey’s honest, no-nonsense attitude forces each family member to confront their own selfishness and absurdity. Her presence sparks jealousy between the parents, shakes the son out of his political posturing, and challenges the daughter’s ill-advised romance. By the end, the entire Borden household has been reformed through the unlikely influence of a down-to-earth outsider.

Q: What makes Fifth Avenue Girl a standout screwball comedy?
Its razor-sharp dialogue, incisive class satire, and Ginger Rogers’ effortless star power deliver quintessential screwball energy. Director Gregory La Cava masterfully balances slapstick moments with pointed social commentary, using the Fifth Avenue setting to dramatize the vast divide between the privileged elite and everyday working Americans during the late 1930s.

Q: Is there a romantic subplot in the film?
Yes, chauffeur Mike (James Ellison) falls for Mary Grey, adding a genuine romance to the comedic chaos. Their working-class connection provides a heartfelt counterpoint to the upper-class antics of the Borden family, and their relationship becomes central to the film’s satisfying conclusion.

Digital Download Questions

Q: Is this the original film with added color?
Yes, this is the original 1939 black and white film professionally colorized frame-by-frame for authentic, vibrant visuals while preserving the restored original audio and performances.

Q: What devices can I watch this on?
Any device that supports MP4 playback, including Smart TVs, Windows and macOS computers, tablets, and iOS or Android mobile devices.

Q: Is the download DRM-free?
Yes, your digital download is completely DRM-free for personal use. No special software or accounts are required to enjoy the film.

Q: How and when will I receive my download?
You will receive a secure download link on the confirmation page immediately after purchase. A copy of the link will also be sent to your email address.

Related Colorized Classics

• Swing Time (1936)
• Top Hat (1935)
• Monkey Business (1952)
• My Man Godfrey (1936)
• Stage Door (1937)