Monday, March 30, 2015

Pre-Code Films: Platinum Blonde (1931)


Release Date: October 31, 1931
Running Time: 89 min.
Director: Frank Capra
Dialogue: Robert Riskin


Cast:
Loretta Young . . . . . . . .  . Gallagher
Robert Williams . . . . . .  Stew Smith
Jean Harlow . . . . . . . .  Ann Schuyler
Reginald Owen . . . . . . . . . . Grayson
 
 
Synopsis:

Down-to-earth reporter Stew Smith marries socialite Anne, despite their obvious differences in background. His fellow reporter Gallagher waits patiently for him to recognize that his marriage was a mistake and that she is in love with him. Stew becomes bored of being married as each assumes the other is the one whose lifestyle must change. Stew asks Gallagher to help him write a play. She arrives with a bunch of reporters and the mansion turns into a party. Anne arrives and orders them out. Stew goes with them. - source
 
 
 


My Analysis:

This movie was surprisingly good! I had never heard of Robert Williams before I watched this film but he is hilarious! I think it’s funny that Young is top billed but that this film is now primarily watched because of Harlow. Without her this film would probably not be known (even though her hair style is horrible here).



 

Trivia & Goofs:
  • Robert Williams died of appendicitis just three days after the film's release. He would be forgotten, if not for this role, as he was only in four other films and two shorts.
  • The film, originally titled Gallagher after Young's character, was renamed by Hughes to promote Harlow, capitalizing on her hair color, called "platinum" by Hughes' publicists. Harlow was on loan from another studio and was excited to do this film as it was her first comedy.
  • When Stew Smith is married, his colleagues make fun of him in the press room. At that moment his wife calls and he walks over to the phone with his pipe in his mouth. However, when he picks up the phone, the pipe disappears.


 
Quotes:
Stew Smith: Yeah, I know those bluenoses. Their ancestors refused to come over on the Mayflower because they didn't want to rub elbows with the tourists... so they swam over!
In a 2008 interview, actor Christopher Plummer called Williams "...one of the most realistic comedians the screen had. He made Cary Grant look like he was overacting... To watch Robert Williams act was like seeing a comic using the Method, long before the Method became famous with Marlon [Brando] and Monty [Clift]".
 
This post is part of the Pre-Code Blogathon hosted by Pre-Code.com and Shadows and Satin. Be sure to check out the other participator's posts!
 
 
All images found via Pinterest.

You may also like my Review of Magic Town (1947), a Capra-like film also written by Riskin.

Also, check out my post on the Legion of Decency.

More Screenshots here!

My 50th post!!!

20 comments:

  1. I've seen this one - and it isn't bad. Robert Williams is a little weird though. His wise-ass persona didn't quite work as a leading man though. He seemed more goofy than smart.

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    1. I personally really liked Williams performance. I think he would have done a little better in the later screwball comedies though. And I agree he's a different leading man. I think he would be better as the 'sidekick.'

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    2. Yes, you're right, Williams would have been a good sidekick, much like Frank McHugh. I've seen many Loretta Young pictures and try to always catch them when I can. She's great in Call of the Wild (1935) with Clark Gable. Loretta Young is very alluring in many Pre-Code films.

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    3. Frank McHugh is a great example! I was trying to think of who to compare him to but no names came to mind.

      "Call of the Wild" is on my 'to watch' list.

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  2. Haven't seen this, and have to since Harlow is in it:) I've never been much of a fan of Young's. I always find her a bit dull...It's possible I haven't seen her in the right thing yet. Leah

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    1. Before this I had only seen Young in "The Bishop's Wife." I like her better young though (though pun intended).

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  3. I'm another one who hasn't seen this film and, like a previous commenter said, I have to because Jean Harlow's in it.

    Thanks for including all the info about Robert Williams, including Christopher Plummers' thoughts. I knew nothing about him! Will be streaming this movie soon. :)

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    1. I am a recent fan of Harlow. The first film I saw her in was "Libeled Lady," then "Wife vs. Secretary" and then this one. Since then I've seen several more, mostly her later ones.

      You're welcome! Thanks for looking! :)

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  4. I'm so glad that you selected this film -- it is one of my favorite pre-Codes. I simply cannot watch Robert Williams too many times -- what a talent he had. And his scene with Harlow about the garters is one of the most delightful things I've seen in the movies. It makes me smile every time. Thanks so much for your contribution to the blogathon!

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    1. I know! As soon as I was done watching the movie I looked Williams up, wondering why I had never seen him before! I was sad when I learned why. He brought realism to the part.

      Thanks for hosting!

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  5. I love Williams in this - so much energy. You wonder if he would have been a big star if he had lived. I also think both Harlow and Young are great. I love Young's down-to-earth newspaperwoman character and the whole newspaper background. This is my second attempt at posting this comment, so apologies if it turns up twice! Enjoyed your piece.

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    1. My first thought after watching the film was why hadn't I seen him in any other films and then I proceeded to look him up.

      I really enjoy watching Young in her earlier films - so different from her later ones.

      It only came up once :) I've been having trouble with my internet for a few days and keep having to re-type my comments :/

      Thanks so much for looking!!

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  6. I'm happy you covered this as it's one of my favourite pre-codes... but perhaps I'm biased as I'm a big fan of Harlow and Young. I love the latter in Born To Be Bad too, and Harlow just seems to bring that special something to every role!

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    1. I'll have to put "Born to Be Bad" on my 'to watch' list! Thanks so much for reading!

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  7. I saw this film because Harlow was in it and came away very impressed with Loretta Young. Great choice for the blogathon and thanks for the tip of the hat to Mr. Williams.

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  8. Although I love both Capra and Harlow, this is a movie that I stil haven't found to watch. I knew, though, of Robert Williams' sad fate from a previous reading in the web. Your review sparkled my curiosity a little more, thanks.
    Don't forget to read my contribution to the blogathon! :)
    Cheers!
    Le
    http://www.criticaretro.blogspot.com.br/2015/04/levada-forca-story-of-temple-drake-1933.html

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    1. Glad to make you want to watch it! Will do!

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  9. I'm actually in the Harlow camp for this one, as I think she steals the show from everyone involved despite her rank amateur status. Thanks for the pics and trivia, and thanks for sharing!

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    1. Thanks for looking! Without Harlow in it, this movie would probably not be known!

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