Shall We Dance

Year: 1937

Runtime: 109 mins

Language: English

Director: Mark Sandrich

RomanceComedy

Foot‑free Fred and his exuberant partner Ginger star in their brightest, most cheerful production. Ballet virtuoso Petrov books a berth on the same transatlantic liner as the dancer‑singer he’s fallen for, though they barely know each other. When the ship reaches New York, a harmless white lie spreads, sparking rumors that the two celebrities are secretly married.

Warning: spoilers below!

Haven’t seen Shall We Dance yet? This summary contains major spoilers. Bookmark the page, watch the movie, and come back for the full breakdown. If you're ready, scroll on and relive the story!

Shall We Dance (1937) – Full Plot Summary & Ending Explained

Read the complete plot breakdown of Shall We Dance (1937), including all key story events, major twists, and the ending explained in detail. Discover what really happened—and what it all means.

Peter P. Peters, a genial American ballet dancer, is billed as Petrov, Fred Astaire lending him a persona of a serious, demanding Russian, even though his employer knows the truth. Peters dances for a Paris ballet company run by the bumbling Jeffrey Baird, a role given life by Edward Everett Horton. Baird secretly resists mixing classical ballet with modern jazz, convinced it won’t look professional.

When Peters spots a photo of Linda Keene, Ginger Rogers brings the star to life, and he falls in love. They meet again on an ocean liner returning to New York, and Linda grows warmer toward Petrov. Their budding romance triggers a tabloid campaign claiming they are married, whether or not it’s true.

Unknown to them, their associates stage a publicity stunt: bedroom pictures of the two together—one showing Keene with a lifelike wax figure for her, and a sleeping Peters—handed to the press to “prove” the marriage. Believing it was Peters’ idea to force her into marriage to protect her reputation, she becomes engaged to Jim Montgomery, the bumbling fiancé behind the scheme.

This sets off both Peters and Arthur Miller, her manager, who secretly launches more fake publicity, a plan brought to life by Jerome Cowan as Arthur Miller. Peters (who has revealed his true identity) and Keene, unable to squelch the rumor, decide to marry in secret to avoid the scandal and then immediately get divorced. Linda begins to fall in love with Peters, but then accidentally discovers him with another woman, Lady Denise Tarrington, Ketti Gallian, unaware of his marriage, and leaves before he can explain.

Later, when Keene comes to his new show to personally serve divorce papers, she sees him dancing with dozens of women all wearing masks with her face on them: Peters has decided that if he cannot dance with Linda, he will dance with images of her. Seeing that he truly loves her, she joins him dancing onstage, as the finale brings together a lively display of movement, humor, and reconciliation, with the onstage company including dancers such as Harriet Hoctor.

Last Updated: October 09, 2025 at 11:08

Coming soon on iOS and Android

The Plot Explained Mobile App

From blockbusters to hidden gems — dive into movie stories anytime, anywhere. Save your favorites, discover plots faster, and never miss a twist again.

Explore Movie Threads

Discover curated groups of movies connected by mood, themes, and story style. Browse collections built around emotion, atmosphere, and narrative focus to easily find films that match what you feel like watching right now.

Elegant Musical Romances like Shall We Dance

Love stories that blossom with song, dance, and a touch of high society charm.Discover movies like Shall We Dance where romance and music intertwine. If you enjoyed the elegant dance numbers, cheerful tone, and lighthearted romantic misunderstandings of this classic, you'll find similar charming stories in this collection of musical romances.

romanticupliftingelegantwhimsicalcheerfulglamorousplayful

Narrative Summary

The narrative typically centers on two charismatic figures, often performers, whose initial attraction is complicated by a whimsical misunderstanding or public pressure. The plot moves steadily toward a climax where their true feelings are revealed in a grand, performative gesture, leading to a joyful and public reconciliation.

Why These Movies?

These films are grouped by their shared foundation in musical storytelling, a light and romantic tone, and the use of performance as a central plot device. They offer an escape into a world where elegance, charm, and artistry triumph over any minor complications.

Movies with Lighthearted Public Misunderstandings like Shall We Dance

Stories where a harmless white lie spirals into a delightful public spectacle.Explore more movies like Shall We Dance that revolve around fun, public misunderstandings. If you liked the plot where a harmless rumor about a secret marriage causes cheerful chaos, you'll enjoy these similar stories of comedic mix-ups and eventual happy resolutions.

playfulwhimsicalcomediccharminglightheartedcheerfulmisunderstanding

Narrative Summary

The plot is driven by a central, comedic misunderstanding that quickly becomes public knowledge. The protagonists must navigate the resulting social expectations and media attention, leading to a series of humorous and awkward situations. The story resolves when the truth is revealed in a way that delightfully resolves the conflict and often strengthens the central relationship.

Why These Movies?

These movies share a very specific narrative engine: a low-stakes lie that generates public intrigue. They are united by their light tone, steady pacing, and the focus on the comedic gap between public perception and private reality, always culminating in a satisfying and happy conclusion.

Unlock the Full Story of Shall We Dance

Don't stop at just watching — explore Shall We Dance in full detail. From the complete plot summary and scene-by-scene timeline to character breakdowns, thematic analysis, and a deep dive into the ending — every page helps you truly understand what Shall We Dance is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.

Shall We Dance Timeline

Track the full timeline of Shall We Dance with every major event arranged chronologically. Perfect for decoding non-linear storytelling, flashbacks, or parallel narratives with a clear scene-by-scene breakdown.

Characters, Settings & Themes in Shall We Dance

Discover the characters, locations, and core themes that shape Shall We Dance. Get insights into symbolic elements, setting significance, and deeper narrative meaning — ideal for thematic analysis and movie breakdowns.

Shall We Dance Spoiler-Free Summary

Get a quick, spoiler-free overview of Shall We Dance that covers the main plot points and key details without revealing any major twists or spoilers. Perfect for those who want to know what to expect before diving in.

More About Shall We Dance

Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about Shall We Dance: box office results, cast and crew info, production details, post-credit scenes, and external links — all in one place for movie fans and researchers.

Similar Movies to Shall We Dance

Discover movies like Shall We Dance that share similar genres, themes, and storytelling elements. Whether you’re drawn to the atmosphere, character arcs, or plot structure, these curated recommendations will help you explore more films you’ll love.