PLATINUM BLONDE

Director: Frank Capra
Stars: Loretta Young, Robert Williams, Jean Harlow, Halliwell Hobbes, Reginald Owen
Year: 1931
Rating: N/R

Even with a long-term fascination for Jean Harlow, this was my first time seeing Platinum Blonde - one of her more famous films (even though, as the "platinum blonde," she receives third billing in it). Though the film doesn't tread any particularly new ground (though it might have, at the time), a really good cast and the direction of a very young Frank Capra make the film a lot of fun to watch.

Robert Williams (who, sadly, died of an appendicitis just three days after this film's release, after making only a handful of films) is outstanding here as ace big-city reporter Stew Smith, who is sent by his editor to the home of the famous and wealthy Schuyler family to dig up some dirt on a scandal involving the family's son. Smith gets his story, mostly by tricking the family into thinking he's on their side - and while there, meets beautiful, rich socialite Anne Schuyler (Jean Harlow). Though Smith's subterfuge turns the entire family (including Anne) against him, soon after his initial meeting Stew actually helps the family (well, Anne's brother) out of a huge jam, endearing him to her all over again. The two take up an affair that ends up in a secret elopement that turns reporter Smith INTO the news - and breaks the heart of his best "buddy" at the newspaper, Gallagher (Loretta Young), who has secretly been in love with him all along - even though he's only ever seen her as "one of the guys."

Now married into one of the wealthiest families in the city, Stew Smith vows to hang onto his independence ... but before long has been talked into moving into the Schuyler mansion, where he and Anne have a private wing, instead of telling Anne they have to move into his tiny apartment and survive on his salary. Opinionated and outspoken, Stew soon gets beyond frustrated with Anne's lifestyle and friends, missing the newspaper and other buddies of his that Anne in turn loathes, and a particular jealous streak that Anne exhibits upon meeting "Gallagher" (whom she's always assumed was a man) only exacerbates things even more.

This is a fine film, largely due to the chemistry between Robert Williams and Jean Harlow. Some of their scenes together, singing a song or just cuddling, in the early stages of their relationship, are so genuinely sweet and tender, you just know these two had to have had some deep affection for each other in real life (an affection that comes off AS affection, as opposed to just physical). Loretta Young, as the starring role, pretty much takes a backseat to this chemistry, and in particular to the charisma of Jean Harlow - but it's really the wisecracking Robert Williams who is so much fun to watch here, as one liners and sarcastic remarks fly like sparks from him.

A really good examples of comedies of the period, and a real treat for classic film fans; if that's you, don't miss this one. Prime character actors Halliwell Hobbes as Smythe the butler and a fairly young Reginald Owen as a weasel of an attorney only make things that much better. ***1/2 - Reel Cool-Reel Awesome