Jean Harlow is the "Platinum Blonde" a reporter falls for in this 1931 film, directed by Frank Capra and also starring Loretta Young and Robert Williams. The gorgeous 18-year-old Young plays a reporter who hangs with the guys - I think NOT, though she acquits herself well. The story concerns a reporter, Stew Smith (Williams) who goes out to the mansion of the prominent Schuyler family to get a story - the son in the family wrote letters to a chorus girl, and she wants $10,000 for them. Smith falls for the society daughter and they wind up eloping.
I naturally thought Jean Harlow would be the chorus girl. Instead, she's the rich woman Stew Smith falls for, Anne Schuyler! Harlow makes a couple of attempts at sounding sophisticated, something she did in her later films when she was making fun of someone. Doing it here, she can't keep it up. Nevertheless, she's good in this serious role and has wonderful chemistry with Williams. This film really launched both her and Capra.
The supporting cast is wonderful. It's pre-code, and there's a very sexy scene between Williams and Harlow as they stand kissing behind glass as a water fountain flows over the glass. A beautiful shot.
Like everyone else, I was impressed with Williams' performance and wondered what happened to him. He died of appendicitis complications right after the film's release. He was tremendously talented and just wonderful as Stew.
This is the typical class distinction story so common in theater and films back then. Except for the casting, there aren't really any surprises. If you have a chance to see it, do, for the stars and especially for Robert Williams.
I naturally thought Jean Harlow would be the chorus girl. Instead, she's the rich woman Stew Smith falls for, Anne Schuyler! Harlow makes a couple of attempts at sounding sophisticated, something she did in her later films when she was making fun of someone. Doing it here, she can't keep it up. Nevertheless, she's good in this serious role and has wonderful chemistry with Williams. This film really launched both her and Capra.
The supporting cast is wonderful. It's pre-code, and there's a very sexy scene between Williams and Harlow as they stand kissing behind glass as a water fountain flows over the glass. A beautiful shot.
Like everyone else, I was impressed with Williams' performance and wondered what happened to him. He died of appendicitis complications right after the film's release. He was tremendously talented and just wonderful as Stew.
This is the typical class distinction story so common in theater and films back then. Except for the casting, there aren't really any surprises. If you have a chance to see it, do, for the stars and especially for Robert Williams.