We’re Not Dressing

We’re Not Dressing

Year: 1934

Runtime: 74 mins

Language: English

Director: Norman Taurog

ComedyMusicSong and danceCatchy songs and hilarious musical comedyGags jokes and slapstick humor

While entertaining guests on her Pacific yacht, high‑society Doris Worthington crashes on a reef. She and fellow castaways—friend Edith, Uncle Hubert, and Princes Michael and Alexander—reach a deserted island. Only the singing sailor Stephen Jones knows how to survive, but his offers are rejected until he cooks a clam bake, swaying the group to follow his leadership and sparking a romance with Doris.

Warning: spoilers below!

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Timeline – We’re Not Dressing (1934)

Trace every key event in We’re Not Dressing (1934) 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

Sailing voyage and sparring with Stephen

Doris Worthington, a spoiled socialite, sails the Pacific aboard a yacht with her friend Edith and her Uncle Hubert while being courted by two princes. She is bored and enjoys verbal battles with crew member Stephen Jones. The exchange escalates when she slaps Stephen and he retaliates by kissing her, earning him dismissal from the voyage.

Early voyage Pacific Ocean, aboard the yacht
2

Capsize and rescue; the island

In fog and drunken confusion, Uncle Hubert drives the yacht onto a reef, and the vessel wrecks. Stephen dives in to rescue the unconscious Doris as the others escape the capsized ship. They eventually make it to a tropical island, though the princes take credit for Doris's rescue.

During the wreck From yacht to tropical island
3

Survival on the island; Stephen takes charge

Once ashore, Stephen is the only one with real survival skills. The rest of the socialites demand that he gather food and build shelter, while his leadership is initially resisted. The group must adapt to a life of makeshift camp and scarce supplies.

Immediately after landing Tropical island, landing site
4

Leadership clash and isolation

Stephen attempts to organize the group and divide tasks, but the pampered passengers snub his authority. He finds himself fending for himself as tensions rise among the castaways. The island becomes a test of character as survival pressures mount.

Early days after landfall Island camp
5

Doris outsmarts Stephen at dinner

Stephen cooks a simple dinner of mussels and coconuts to feed the group, and the enticing smells draw everyone toward the beach. Doris schemes to grab Stephen's food by tricking him to hand it over, and she slaps him in retaliation. The scene highlights the ongoing power struggle between the two.

Soon after first meals Island kitchen/camp
6

Doris falls into a lion trap; meets Gracie and George

Doris ventures into the jungle and falls prey to a lion trap on the not-so-deserted isle. On the far side of the island, zany Gracie Allen and her scientific husband George Burns live in a different enclave. Doris declines their offer to stay, determined to get even with Stephen.

After initial island stay Jungle; far side of the island
7

Doris orchestrates a 'discovery' of tools and clothes

Doris arranges for some tools and clothes to float past Stephen, creating the illusion of a new discovery. Stephen, thrilled by his apparent find, builds himself a house on the shore. Meanwhile, Gracie and George's relationship remains a subject of the island's peculiar dynamics.

After Doris's encounter with Gracie/George Stephen's beach camp; island coast
8

Gracie and George declare love but feel mismatched

That evening, Gracie Allen and George Burns acknowledge their feelings for each other, but they both sense that their mismatched personalities won't mesh well in the long run. The island's odd couple dynamic continues to complicate the rescue plan. Their exchange adds a lighter, comedic note amid the tension.

That evening Gracie and George's camp on island
9

Rescue boats arrive; revelation and rift

Two rescue boats appear, creating chaos as everyone scrambles to secure a place. Stephen discovers that the clothes and tools he found were provided by Doris, and he is furious. He deliberately boards a different boat than Doris, separating the couple for the moment.

During rescue commotion Shore and boats on the island
10

Doris misses Stephen; she changes ships

Watching Stephen on a separate boat, Doris realizes she misses him and the life they might share. Motivated by a mix of pride and longing, she decides to switch ships to join him. The move signals a potential reconciliation, even as the shipboard social dynamics continue.

During the voyage after rescue On the rescue ships; near the island
11

Reunion at sea; a gamble for love

Doris completes the switch and chooses to join Stephen, embracing the uncertain future 'for better or worse.' The princes' attention on board fades as the two main lovers reunite, setting a new course for their relationship. The tone shifts from jealousy to a tentative partnership against the odds.

After Doris switches ships On board the rescue ship
12

Return to civilization and uncertain fate

The voyage back to civilization begins with the couple together, while the princes resume their hedonistic ways on board. Doris's decision to be with Stephen marks a new start, though the future remains uncertain in this foreshadowed dynamic. The island ordeal ends with a choice that could change their lives.

Return voyage On board the rescue ship, en route home

Last Updated: October 09, 2025 at 10:44

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