The Guardian

Ginger Rogers’ 20 best performances – ranked!

20. Black Widow (1954)

Having built a career on youth and good humour, Rogers is hard to credit as a haughty star who callously dominates her husband in this lavish murder mystery shot in full colour and CinemaScope. That said, the glamour suits her well and she has a late scene that is a real showstopper.

19. Magnificent Doll (1946)

Who better than America’s sweetheart to play the woman who defined the role of first lady, Dolley Madison? Scripted by novelist Irving Stone and directed by Frank Borzage, Magnificent Doll is earnest, but gorgeous. Rogers rises to the challenge, especially in her climactic speech to an angry mob.

18. Storm Warning (1951)

Somehow, Rogers starred alongside fellow Republicans Doris Day and Ronald Reagan in this thriller

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