Double Feature
Broadway Bill
From Frank Capra, the award-winning genius behind It Happened One Night and Mr. Smith Goes to Washington, comes this rediscovered gem, Broadway Bill. Warner Baxter (42nd Street) and career honorary Oscar recipient Myrna Loy spurn high society to pursue their hearts’ desires in this winning blend of comedy and romance. Baxter’s love is horseracing, although track aficionados say he doesn’t have a prayer of a chance. Loy’s love is Baxter, although he at first is blind to her attentiveness. Assisted by stable groom Clarence Muse (one of the first inductees to the Black Filmmakers Hall of Fame), the two leads share laughs, tears and triumph as they saddle their dreams on a beloved colt named Broadway Bill. The horses are at the gate… enjoy! (Paramount)
- Director
- Frank Capra
- Writer
- Screen play by Robert Riskin based on a story "Strictly Confidential" by Mark Hellinger
- Starring
- Warner Baxter, Myrna Loy, Walter Connolly, Helen Vinson, Douglass Dumbrille, Clarence Muse
- Year
- 1934
- Country
- USA
- Format
- 35mm
- Running Time
- 102 minutes
Platinum Blonde
In the film that fueled her legendary career, Jean Harlow (The Public Enemy) stars in this romantic comedy directed by Academy Award® winner Frank Capra (Best Director, It Happened One Night, 1934). Written to showcase Harlow’s talent, looks and charm, Platinum Blonde is a glorious spoof of the newspaper business in New York City during the Depression. Ann Schuyler (Harlow), a wealthy socialite, meets reporter Stew Smith (Robert Williams, Devotion) and the two fall madly in love. The comedy begins as she tries to transform him from a ruffian newsman into a convincing gentleman. “Stew,” who is quick with wisecracks, is slow to realize the dangers of being a kept man. At first, he likes the idle life of the rich, but there’s trouble in paradise. Soon this “Cinderella Man” turns the social register upside down with his mocking repartee. To his rescue is Gallagher (Loretta Young, The Stranger), a sympathetic friend and co-worker at the newspaper. She comforts and consoles Stew and, in classic Capra style, helps him right into her own arms. (Sony)
- Director
- Frank Capra
- Writer
- from the story by Harry E. Chandlee and Douglass W. Churchill, adaptation by Jo Swerling, dialogue by Robert Riskin
- Starring
- Loretta Young, Robert Williams, Jean Harlow
- Year
- 1931
- Country
- USA
- Format
- 35mm
- Running Time
- 89 minutes