Ember's analysis
- Pacing
- Brisk
- Intensity
- Mild
- Complexity
- Easy to follow
- Violence
- None
- witty
- breezy
- glamorous
- classic movie night
- date night
What critics said
Critics broadly regard the film as an appealing and highly polished classic musical, strengthened by its stars, dance performances, and stylish fashion setting.
What sets it apart
May contain story progression spoilers
The principal characters are drawn into the Paris fashion house inherited by John and managed by Stephanie.
Huck’s band, Scharwenka’s singing, and the Astaire-Rogers performance partnership carry the entertainment and romantic momentum.
Huck’s old friend performs as the singer Scharwenka while using an alias, making identity part of the musical comedy’s social maneuvering.
The film’s black-and-white presentation, Paris setting, dressmaking milieu, and choreographed performances create a distinctly elegant visual register.
Films like Roberta, and why
Top Hat
classic Hollywood musical comedy combining romance, fashion, elegant choreography, and a charismatic Fred Astaire performance
The Gay Divorcee
black-and-white song-and-dance romance with witty misunderstandings, polished production design, and Astaire-Rogers chemistry
Funny Face
fashion-centered musical romance driven by backstage performance, mistaken identities, and buoyant escapism
Movie Details
- Director
- William A. Seiter
- Release Date
- 1935-03-07
- Runtime
- 106 min
- Rating
- 7.1 / 10 (49)
Cast
- Irene Dunne
- Fred Astaire
- Ginger Rogers
- Randolph Scott
- Helen Westley
- Claire Dodd
- Victor Varconi
- Luis Alberni
- Ferdinand Munier
- Torben Meyer
Where to watch in United States
- Streaming
- TCM
- Rent
- Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Fandango At Home
- Buy
- Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Fandango At Home
Streaming options come from TMDB and change over time.
Common questions
- What is Roberta about?
- A stranded football player, a traveling band, and a glamorous Paris fashion house collide in a buoyant song-and-dance romance.
- What is Roberta like to watch?
- Ember's analysis rates the pacing of Roberta as brisk, its intensity as mild and its storytelling as easy to follow.
- Is Roberta violent?
- No — Ember's analysis finds no violence in Roberta.
- What did critics think of Roberta?
- Critics broadly regard the film as an appealing and highly polished classic musical, strengthened by its stars, dance performances, and stylish fashion setting.
- Which films are like Roberta?
- Films with a similar feel include Top Hat, The Gay Divorcee, and Funny Face.
- How long is Roberta?
- Roberta runs 106 minutes.
- Where can I watch Roberta?
- In United States, Roberta streams on TCM.
