In the late eighteenth century a young widow is wooed by Aaron Burr and James Madison.[1] At first, she prefers the charming Burr, but when he reveals his ambitions to rule the United States as a tyrant, she decides to marry Madison. After Burr tries to overthrow the government, Dolley prevents him from being hung by an angry mob.
Universal Pictures paid MGM $100,000 to borrow David Niven for the film. Filming took place under the working title of The Life of Dolly [sic] Madison from June to August in 1946 at Universal City and a ranch in Chatsworth, Los Angeles.[2]
During production, Frances E. Williams complained about the lack of black extras and the director hired more black actors.
RC Cola promoted the film with ads featuring Ginger Rogers in costume as Dolley Madison.[4] Rogers also travelled to Ohio to make a personal appearance at the Cincinnati premiere.[5]
Reception
The New York Times criticized the film for its lack of historical accuracy.[3]
David Niven later described the movie as a "stinker" and stated that he took the role because he needed the money.[6]
The film lost money at the box office[2] and became Ginger Rogers' least successful film without Fred Astaire. Shortly after the premiere, Burr's descendent Samuel Burr founded the Aaron Burr Association to
"keep alive the memory of Colonel Aaron Burr".[7]
