First a Girl

First a Girl

Year: 1935

Runtime: 94 mins

Language: English

Director: Victor Saville

Comedy

An aspiring singer leaves a menial job after her friend convinces her to try drag performance as a female impersonator. Her act quickly brings fame, but complications arise when a determined young man falls in love with her, unaware of her true identity. The film is a remake of the 1933 German comedy Viktor und Viktoria.

Warning: spoilers below!

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Timeline – First a Girl (1935)

Trace every key event in First a Girl (1935) with our detailed, chronological timeline. Perfect for unpacking nonlinear stories, spotting hidden connections, and understanding how each scene builds toward the film’s climax. Whether you're revisiting or decoding for the first time, this timeline gives you the full picture.

1

Elizabeth quits her job and meets Victor in a storm

In 1930s London, Elizabeth leaves her menial job at a luxury fashion shop to pursue a singing career. Caught in a heavy rainstorm, she ducked into a crowded coffeehouse where she sits opposite the actor Victor. Their chance encounter sets up a bold plan that will change Elizabeth's life when Victor reveals he has laryngitis and suggests she stand in as his female impersonator.

1930s, during a rainstorm London, coffeehouse
2

Victor, sidelined by laryngitis, proposes Elizabeth as Bill

Victor accompanies Elizabeth to his boarding house, where he learns he has laryngitis and cannot perform that evening. He explains the idea: Elizabeth could take the stage as a female impersonator using his stage name Victoria. Elizabeth agrees to the risky scheme and becomes 'Bill', the new female persona.

that evening London, Victor's boarding house
3

Elizabeth's first performance as Bill delights a crowd

That night, Elizabeth performs in drag as the female impersonator 'Bill' and garners a tremendous reception. The crowd roars, and the big-time promoter McLintock appears backstage intrigued by her talent. Sensing a star, McLintock offers Elizabeth a contract to perform across Europe.

that night London music-hall
4

Elizabeth tours Europe with Victor as manager

With Victor managing and Elizabeth billed as 'Bill' using his own stage name 'Victoria', the pair embark on a European tour. Elizabeth performs as a glamorous male impersonator across multiple cities, while Victor handles contracts and publicity. The act signals a rising celebrity born from a risky deception.

after contract Various European cities
5

Princess Mironoff and Robert attend Bill's performance

One evening during the tour, Princess Mironoff and her fiancé Robert attend a Bill performance and are intrigued by the onstage persona. Robert becomes attracted to Bill, but his interest turns awkward when Bill removes the wig and reveals cropped hair. The moment heightens tension about Bill's true gender.

during tour European city venue
6

Disguise under pressure after the show

Backstage at a nightclub, Elizabeth must maintain the masculine facade by smoking a cigar and drinking strong whiskey to reinforce the illusion. Victor meanwhile continues to charm the princess with Shakespeare recitations as Robert chats with 'Bill'. Elizabeth struggles to uphold the disguise amid growing scrutiny.

after the show Nightclub, Europe
7

Hair evidence and the plan to travel to the South of France

The Princess finds a feminine hair comb under 'Bill's' chair, confirming suspicions that Bill may be a woman. She and Robert invite the two 'men' to join them on a trip to the South of France to force Bill to reveal his gender. Elizabeth and Victor accept, hoping to keep the ruse intact for now.

after hair comb discovery On the road to the South of France
8

In the South of France villa, Elizabeth resumes wearing women's clothes

At the villa she shares with Victor, Elizabeth enjoys wearing women's clothes again and revels in the freedom of her true identity. During a seaside swim, Robert unexpectedly draws near and uses lifesaving techniques to pull her from the water, exposing her as a woman. He apologizes, and Elizabeth's femininity becomes impossible to deny.

during the stay Villa in the South of France
9

Elizabeth confesses love for Robert; friendships tested

Elizabeth tells the Princess that she is in love with Robert, complicating the arrangement they promised. Victor must explain to everyone that he and Elizabeth are just good friends, hoping to preserve the scheme's stability. The romantic revelation tests loyalties and the future of the Shakespearean plan.

later that day Villa, South of France
10

Newspaper threat and Victor's drag safeguard

A nosy newspaper reporter spots 'Bill' in women's clothing and threatens to expose the deception. Victor saves the day by stepping into the role himself, posing as 'Bill' in drag to comic effect and deflecting the threat. The performance buys time and preserves the arrangement for Elizabeth and Robert.

after confession South of France villa
11

The Princess funds Shakespearean theater

The Princess pledges to back Victor's Shakespearean theater project, signaling official support for the plan's artistic future. Meanwhile, Elizabeth carries a man's passport and is waved across the French border to begin a life with Robert. The fragile deception edges toward a hopeful new chapter for Elizabeth.

end of journey France and border crossing
12

New life begins with Robert in France

With the border cleared and plans in motion, Elizabeth leaves behind the gender masquerade to start a life with Robert in France. Victor's theatrical ambitions remain intact thanks to the Princess's backing. Elizabeth steps into a future as her true self, supported by friends who believed in her talent.

finale France

Last Updated: October 07, 2025 at 09:00

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