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Platinum Blonde (1931)

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Average Rating: 7.2/10
Reviews Counted: 6
Fresh: 6 | Rotten: 0

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Release Date: Oct 31, 1931 Limited

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Average Rating: 3.3/5
User Ratings: 966

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Movie Info

A rather bleak comedy-drama from Frank Capra, Platinum Blonde basically starts where Capra's later and much more buoyant It Happened One Night (1934) ends: the marriage between a brash newspaperman and a society dame. But where the latter comedy was enhanced by the director's patented optimism, Platinum Blonde, produced at the height of the Great Depression, expresses no faith in a common ground between the classes. Star reporter Stew Smith (Robert Williams) falls in love with the sister (Jean

Unrated, 1 hr. 29 min.

Romance, Classics, Comedy

Directed By: Frank Capra

Written By: Harry Chandlee, Douglas W. Churchill

In Theaters: Oct 31, 1931 Limited

On DVD: Nov 4, 2003

Columbia Pictures

Cast

Loretta Young
Gallagher
Robert Williams
Stew Smith
Jean Harlow
Anne Schuyler
Louise Closser Hale
Mrs. Schuyler
Donald Dilloway
Michael Schuyler
Walter Catlett
Bingy Baker
Reginald Owen
Dexter Grayson
Edmund Breese
Conroy The Editor
Claud Allister
Dawson The Valet
Wilson Benge
Butler
Eddy Chandler
Reporter
Rychard Cramer
Speakeasy Proprietor
William "Wild Bill" Ellio...
Dinner Guest
Halliwell Hobbes
Smythe The Butler
Olaf Hytten
Radcliffe
Charles Jordan
Reporter
Tom London
Reporter
Hal Price
Reporter
Dick Pritchard
Harry Semels
Waiter
Don Dillaway

Critic Reviews for Platinum Blonde

All Critics (11) | Top Critics (2) | Fresh (6) | Rotten (0) | DVD (2)

Depression-era seduction

March 15, 2010 Full Review Source: CinePassion

| Comment

Fernando F. Croce

CinePassion

Still, with all its usual Capra faults, it holds up as a slightly above average breezy newspaper comedy.

November 16, 2008 Full Review Source: Ozus' World Movie Reviews

| Comment

Dennis Schwartz

Ozus' World Movie Reviews

Vastly appealing early Capra with bits that resurface in Mr. Deeds Goes to Town.

July 19, 2004 Comment

Ken Hanke

Mountain Xpress (Asheville, NC)

Early Capra screwball comedy… appealing to Depression audiences both as escapist entertainment and as satire of the idle rich and celebration of the hardworking poor.

January 30, 2004 Full Review Source: Decent Films Guide

| Comment

Steven D. Greydanus

Decent Films Guide

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Audience Reviews for Platinum Blonde

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There are some great screwball comedies of the 30's and 40's, and this is a terrific early film, directed by the father of feelgood, Frank Capra. Starring such screen greats as Jean Harlow and Loretta Young, the main character of Stew Smith (Robert Williams) is both a cautionary tale and a goofball, which fits with

December 27, 2010

Spencer S.

Super Reviewer

It has been quite awhile since I watched an old movie and I've forgotten how delightful they can be. I've seen plenty of old screwballs and this isn't the best of the best, but it is funny and witty. And Williams is quite hilarious! Almost Grant-esque. Predictable story, but it made me laugh!

December 27, 2010