Magnificent Doll (1946)

25% of users liked it
(58 ratings)

Director Frank Borzage and star Ginger Rogers both came acropper in the lavish but dull historical biopic Magnificent Doll. The usually ebullient Rogers seems encased in wax as Dolly Madison, first lady of the United States in the early 19th century. The story begins as young Washington socialite… More Director Frank Borzage and star Ginger Rogers both came acropper in the lavish but dull historical biopic Magnificent Doll. The usually ebullient Rogers seems encased in wax as Dolly Madison, first lady of the United States in the early 19th century. The story begins as young Washington socialite Dolly Payne, previously and unhappily wed to one John Todd (Horace McNally), can't make up her mind romantically between idealistic politician James Madison (Burgess Meredith) and firebrand Aaron Burr (David Niven). Burr solves that problem when he flees the country after killing Alexander Hamilton in a duel, leaving the field clear for Madison. What should have been the film's highlight, Dolly's rescue of the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution during the 1812 burning of Washington, is treated as a throwaway. Told in flashback, the film ends just before Madison's ascendancy to the White House, with Dolly chastely charming the current chief executive Thomas Jefferson (Grandon Rhodes). Magnificent Doll is anything but . ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi

Rating, Runtime: Unrated, 1 hr. 35 min.
Directed By: Frank Borzage
Genres: Drama, Classics

In Theaters: Dec 8, 1946 Wide
Studio: Universal Pictures

No Critic Reviews Found…

No Featured Audience Ratings Found…

Cast

            Erville Alderson as Darcy

            Ginger Rogers as Dolly Payne Madison

            David Niven as Aaron Burr

            Robert H. Barrat as Mr. Payne

            George Barrows as Jedson

            Burgess Meredith as James Madison

            Joe Forte as Senator Ainsworth

            Horace McNally as John Todd

            Henri Letondal as Count D'Arignon

            Peggy Wood as Mrs. Payne

            Francis McDonald as Barber Jenks

            Grandon Rhodes as Thomas Jefferson

            Emmett Vogan as Mr. Gallentine

            Frances E. Williams as Amy

            Louis Austin as Grace Phillips

            Larry J. Blake as Charles

            Stanley Blystone as Bailiff

            Harlan Briggs as Quinn

            George Carleton as Howard

            Joseph Crehan as Williams

            Grace Cunard as Woman with Baby

            Dick Dickinson as Man Who Falls

            Sam Flint as Waters

            Byron Foulger as Servant

            John Hamilton as Mr. Witherspoon

            Al Hill as Man

            Johnny Hines as Dr. Ellis

            Brandon Hurst as Brown

            Olaf Hytten as Blennerhassett

            Jack Ingram as Lane the Courier

            Boyd Irwin as Hathaway

            Joe King as Jailer

            Ethan Laidlaw as Sanders a Soldier

            Ruth Lee as Mrs. Gallentine

            Vivien Oakland as Mrs. Witherspoon

            Lee Phelps as Hatch a Bettor

            John Sheehan as Janitor

            Pietro Sosso as Mr. Anthony

            Arthur Space as Alexander Hamilton

            Larry Steers as Lafayette

            Ferris Taylor as Mr. Phillips

            Harland Tucker as Ralston

            Eddy Waller as Arthur the Coachman

            Pierre Watkin as Harper

            Jack Curtis as Edmond

            Stanley Price as Man at Platform

            Tom Coleman as Mr. Carroll

            Harry Denny as Mr. Calot

            Jack George as Gov. Stanley

            Jerry Jerome as Thomas

            Victor Zimmerman as Martin

            Mary Emery as Woman

            Garnett Marks as Justice Drake
See full cast

Now you can share movies with your friends on Facebook!

Discover movies your friends are watching
Keep track of what you want to see
Add your reviews to your Timeline

Get Started