Just a Gigolo (1931)

Haines plays the role of a festive British nobleman, for whom a marriage has been arranged by his relatives. He goes to a European Summer resort and poses as a gigolo to meet the girl ... See full summary »

Director:

Jack Conway

Writers:

Alexander Engel (from: the David Belasco production "Dancing Partners" by), Alfred Grünwald (from: the David Belasco production "Dancing Partners" by),

Stars:

William Haines, Irene Purcell, C. Aubrey Smith

Cast

Complete credited cast:
William Haines	...	Lord Robert Brummel
Irene Purcell	...	Roxan Hartley
C. Aubrey Smith	...	Lord George Hampton
Charlotte Granville	...	Lady Jane Hartley
Lilian Bond	...	Lady Agatha Carrol
Albert Conti	...	A French Husband
Maria Alba	...	A French Wife
Ray Milland	...	Freddie
Lenore Bushman	...	Gwenny
Gerald Fielding	...	Tony
Yola d'Avril	...	Pauline

Storyline

Haines plays the role of a festive British nobleman, for whom a marriage has been arranged by his relatives. He goes to a European Summer resort and poses as a gigolo to meet the girl chosen, learn what she's like and to apply the "acid test".

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Plot Keywords:

english | impersonation | arranged marriage | deception | aviation | 

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Genres:

Comedy | Romance

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Certificate:

Passed

Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

6 June 1931 (USA)

Also Known As:

Dancing Partner

Company Credits

Production Co:

Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer (MGM)

Technical Specs

Runtime:

66 min

Sound Mix:

Mono (Western Electric Sound System)

Color:

Black and White

Aspect Ratio:

1.37 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

Though Cedric Gibbons is credited as the art director of this film, this was part of his contract with MGM, where all films produced by the studio bore his name. The art direction was actually the work of the film's star, William Haines, who would soon leave acting to pursue what would become a highly successful, decades-long career as an interior designer.

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Soundtracks

"Just a Gigolo"
(1929) (uncredited)
Written by Leonello Casucci

User Reviews

A Little William Haines Romantic Comedy

The American nephew of an English nobleman is appalled at the prospect of an arranged marriage. To prove to his uncle that all girls are not sweet & innocent, he disguises himself as his intended's paid dancing companion, to see if she'll have an affair with him. To his surprise, he falls in love with her. When she catches on to the trick, will she acknowledge her hidden love for him, or will she continue to treat him as JUST A GIGOLO?

William Haines, always enjoyable to watch, sparks this little pre-Production Code comedy, in which his silly-billy antics are toned down a bit. He's particularly fun in the climaxing scenes at the San Sebastian Inn, when he thinks Irene Purcell has surrendered a wee bit too far to his charms. Miss Purcell gives a pert performance as a spoiled young noblewoman in need of firm handling. Wonderful old Sir C. Aubrey Smith is excellent as a crusty lord who has much to learn about modern youth, circa 1931.

Haines was one of the art directors on this picture. The following year, with his dismissal from MGM, he would start a new & very successful career as a Hollywood interior decorator.