First a Girl

"First a Girl" is a 1935 British comedy film directed by Victor Saville and starring Jessie Matthews. It was adapted from the 1933 German film "Viktor und Viktoria," written and directed by Reinhold Schünzel, and later remade as the 1982 American musical "Victor/Victoria" featuring Julie Andrews.

The story follows Elizabeth, an aspiring singer in 1930s London, who quits her job at a luxury fashion shop. During a rainstorm, she meets Victor, an actor performing in drag as 'Victoria' in a music-hall act due to laryngitis. Impersonating him, Elizabeth becomes the female impersonator 'Bill' and gains fame under the stage name 'Victoria.' Her success attracts promoter McLintock, leading to a European tour.

During a performance, Princess Miranoff and her fiancé Robert become interested in 'Bill,' but their suspicions grow when they find evidence suggesting she is a woman. Invited to a villa in France, Elizabeth enjoys wearing women's clothes again but faces challenges maintaining her disguise. A near-drowning incident with Robert nearly exposes her true identity.

Tensions rise as Victor tries to protect Elizabeth from exposure while harboring romantic feelings for the Princess. A reporter threatens to reveal her secret, but Victor saves the day by performing in drag. The film concludes with Princess Miranoff supporting Victor's Shakespearean theater ambitions and Elizabeth beginning a new life with Robert.

The movie is noted for its polished storytelling and Jessie Matthews' strong performance, making it a classic enduring entertainment.