The Gay Divorcee (1934)

Mimi Glossop wants a divorce, so her Aunt Hortense hires a professional to play the co-respondent in apparent infidelity. American dancer Guy Holden meets Mimi while visiting Brightbourne (Brighton) and she thinks he is the co-respondent. The plot is really an excuse for song and dance. The movie won five Academy nominations and the first Oscar for Best Song: "The Continental", a 17 1/2-minute production number.—Ed Stephan