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Platinum Blonde (1931)

Platinum Blonde (1931)
August 8, 2011 - 7:30 pm

Directed by Frank Capra

In some ways it was ingenious of Frank Capra to pit socialite Harlow’s screaming sexuality, wrapped in tons of money, against Loretta Young’s sacrificing, always available, but strictly virginal woman in the wings. Reporter Stew Smith naturally chooses sex and easy living with Schuyler, until he realizes it will cost him his manly soul, then returns to the comfort of his own class. Williams’ newspaper reporter explores the bifurcation of American womanhood: poor virgin vs. whore with gold, but then reality beats out fantasy. Capra’s long-time screenwriter Robert Riskin contributes exceeding witty dialogue in this “light entertainment.”

Columbia Pictures Corp. Producer: Harry Cohn. Screenwriter: Robert Riskin, Jo Swerling. Cinematographer: Joseph Walker. Editor: Gene Milford. Cast: Loretta Young, Robert Williams, Jean Harlow.

35mm, b/w, 89 min.