Synopsis
Blondie McClune (Davies) lives in a tenement apartment with her parents, her sister, and her sister’s husband and baby. Lottie Callahan (Dove), Davies' childhood chum, has become a showgirl and moved into a fancy, uptown apartment. Dove has several male friends, including Larry Belmont (Montgomery), whom she loves, although he does not return her feelings. One night, Lottie introduces Blondie to Larry, who takes her to a speakeasy where they talk until dawn. When he takes her home, Blondie's father Pa McClune (Gleason) is upset and angry. Blondie assures him that nothing happened, and Larry tells Blondie's father that he respects her innocence.
To help her financial situation, Larry gets Blondie into the follies. Murchenson (Dumbrille), a rich oilman, likes blondes and is interested in Blondie, who rejects his advances. Lottie and Blondie argue over Larry, and Blondie promises to stay away from him. Blondie finally accepts the offers of Murchenson, who sets her up in an expensive apartment. When Larry refuses to see Lottie any more, she becomes angry with Blondie, thinking Larry prefers her. During their act in the follies, Lottie causes Blondie to have an accident that breaks her leg and produces a permanent limp. Blondie cannot work and returns home. However, Larry arranges for surgery on her leg. Proving his love, he then makes the crucial decision and proposes marriage.
Discussion
Blondie of the Follies is a Pre-Code film that contains elements of Marion Davies' own life. At eighteen, she had been a showgirl with the Ziegfeld Follies and was familiar with their lavish stage shows. While still a showgirl, she had met her married lover, newspaper magnate William Randolph Hearst. He supported her career and ensured that every aspect of her films was first rate, including the leading man. In addition to Roberty Montgomery, other leading men who played alongside Davies include Gary Cooper, Clark Gable, Leslie Howard, and Bing Crosby.
Films produced during the brief Pre-Code Hollywood period from 1930-34 (before enforcement of the the Motion Picture Production Code restricting profanity, violence, sexuality and cynical content from films) include The Bachelor Father, Employee's Entrance, Hat Check Girl, A House Divided, The Kiss Before the Mirror, Ladies They Talk About, Laughter in Hell, The Maltese Falcon, Safe in Hell, She Had to Say Yes and Ten Cents a Dance.
Further Reading