Du Barry Was a Lady Ending Explained: What Happened and Why?
Complete breakdown of the climax, final twists, and spoilers for Du Barry Was a Lady.
Du Barry Was a Lady Ending Explained: Hat check man Louis Blore is in love with nightclub star May Daly. Directed by Roy Del Ruth, this 1943 comedy film stars Red Skelton (Louis Blore / King Louis XV), alongside Lucille Ball as May Daly / Madame Du Barry, Gene Kelly as Alec Howe / Black Arrow, Virginia O'Brien as Ginny. With a 6.5/10 rating, the ending has divided audiences.
What Happens at the End of Du Barry Was a Lady?
Hat check man Louis Blore is in love with nightclub star May Daly. May, however, is in love with a poor dancer but wants to marry for money. When Louis wins the Irish Sweepstakes, he asks May to marry him and she accepts even though she doesn't love him. Soon after, Louis has an accident and gets knocked on the head, where he dreams that he's King Louis XV pursuing the infamous Madame Du Barry.
Roy Del Ruth's narrative builds toward a resolution centered on Red Skelton (Louis Blore / King Louis XV)'s journey. May, however, is in love with a poor dancer but wants to marry for money.
How Does Red Skelton (Louis Blore / King Louis XV)'s Story End?
- Red Skelton: Red Skelton's storyline wraps up in the final act, though some viewers have found the resolution more ambiguous than expected.
- Lucille Ball (May Daly / Madame Du Barry): Lucille Ball's role in the climax proves pivotal to how the central conflict resolves.
- Gene Kelly (Alec Howe / Black Arrow): Gene Kelly's character undergoes a significant shift in the final act.
What Does the Ending of Du Barry Was a Lady Mean?
Du Barry Was a Lady's ending attempts to resolve the major plot threads, though some narrative elements involving Red Skelton may feel rushed. Roy Del Ruth's final act has been both praised for its ambition and criticized for its execution.