Du Barry Was a Lady
Du Barry Was a Lady Review: Story, Cast, Rating & Final Verdict
Last updated: May 14, 2026
Movie Overview: Du Barry Was a Lady
| Movie | Du Barry Was a Lady |
| Release Year | 1943 |
| Director | Roy Del Ruth |
| Genre | Comedy / Fantasy / Music |
| Runtime | 101 minutes (1h 41m) |
| Language | EN |
Quick Verdict: Hit or Flop?
Is Du Barry Was a Lady (1943) worth watching? According to our cinematic analysis, the film stands as a HIT with a verified audience rating of 6.5/10. Whether you're looking for the box office collection, ending explained, or parents guide, our review covers everything you need to know about this Comedy.
Cast & Character Study
The performances in Du Barry Was a Lady are led by Red Skelton . The supporting cast, including Lucille Ball and Gene Kelly , provides the necessary layers to the central narrative.
movieMx Verdict: Is it Worth Your Time?
What Works in the Movie
Du Barry Was a Lady stands out as a strong entry in the Comedy genre. The film benefits from engaging storytelling, memorable performances, and solid production values that help keep viewers invested.
- Compelling performances from the main cast
- Strong visual storytelling and direction
- Well-structured Comedy narrative
- Satisfying emotional or dramatic payoff
What Doesn't Work
Despite its strengths, Du Barry Was a Lady has a few issues that may affect the overall viewing experience, particularly in terms of pacing and narrative consistency.
- Uneven pacing in certain parts of the film
- Some predictable plot developments
- May not appeal to audiences outside the Comedy fanbase
Story & Plot Summary: Du Barry Was a Lady
Quick Plot Summary: Released in 1943, Du Barry Was a Lady is a Comedy, Fantasy, Music film directed by Roy Del Ruth, written by Irving Brecher. The narrative brings laughter through sharp writing and comedic timing, providing amusement while touching on deeper societal themes. It provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict involving Red Skelton as Louis Blore / King Louis XV.
Ending Explained: 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.
Du Barry Was a Lady Real vs. Reel: Is it Based on a True Story?
Is Du Barry Was a Lady Based on a True Story?
No, Du Barry Was a Lady is a work of fiction. While the comedy, fantasy, music film directed by Roy Del Ruth and starring Red Skelton may incorporate realistic themes, the characters and plot are original creations.
Who Should Watch Du Barry Was a Lady?
Age Advisory: Rated Not Rated.
Worth Watching If You:
- Enjoy Comedy films and don't mind familiar tropes
- Are a fan of Red Skelton or the director
- Want some laughs and light entertainment
Where to Watch Du Barry Was a Lady Online?
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Amazon VideoApple TV StoreGoogle Play MoviesYouTubeFandango At HomeDu Barry Was a Lady Parents Guide & Age Rating
1943 AdvisoryWondering about Du Barry Was a Lady age rating or if it's safe for kids? Here is our cinematic advisory:
⏱️ Runtime & Duration
The total runtime of Du Barry Was a Lady (1943) is 101 minutes (1h 41m). Directed by Roy Del Ruth, the film runs for 101 minutes in its complete theatrical version.
Verdict Summary
Analyzing the overall audience sentiment, verified rating of 6.5/10, and global performance metrics, Du Barry Was a Lady is classified as a HIT. It remains an essential part of the 1943 cinematic calendar.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Du Barry Was a Lady worth watching?
Du Barry Was a Lady is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Comedy movies. It has a verified rating of 6.5/10 and stands as a HIT in our box office analysis.
Where can I find Du Barry Was a Lady parents guide and age rating?
The official parents guide for Du Barry Was a Lady identifies it as Not Rated. Our detailed advisory section above covers all content warnings for families.
What is the runtime of Du Barry Was a Lady (1943)?
The runtime of Du Barry Was a Lady (1943) is 101 minutes (approximately 1h 41m).
movieMx Verified
This review has been verified for accuracy and editorial quality by our senior cinematic analysts.
This analysis is compiled by our editorial experts using multi-source verification and audience sentiment data for maximum accuracy.
