The Matinee Idol
The famous matinee idol and blackface comedian, Don Wilson, heads out of town to escape adulation. There, calling himself Harry Mann, he accidentally joins a traveling acting troupe, and falls in love with Ginger Bolivar, who runs the troupe and stars in their Civil War melodrama. Don's producer sees the play, and thinks it's a comic masterpiece, and just what Don's Broadway show needs. But when Ginger finds out she's been played for a fool, will she forgive Don? Preserved by the Academy Film Archive in partnership with Sony Pictures Entertainment, Inc. in 1997.
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📋 Film Details
| Year | 1928 |
| Country | United States of America |
| Genre | Romance, Comedy |
| Director | Frank Capra |
| Runtime | 56 min. |
| Rating | TMDB: 6.4/10 (18 votes) |
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🎬 MovieFinder's Take
Frank Capra constructs a light and elegant comedy, cleverly using the contrast between glamorous Broadway and a naive provincial troupe. The director explores themes of double life and sincerity of feeling, relying on the brilliant chemistry between the leads and the humorous situations born of misunderstanding.
What lingers after the final reel is the charming blend of romance and satire, where behind the outward farce lies a tender story about how art and love dissolve social masks. A film that leaves you with a warm smile. — MovieFinder Editorial
Director: Frank Capra
Best Watched
Watch in the afternoon or early evening in good spirits, as a light and witty romantic jest.
🎭 Cast
Bessie Love
Ginger Bolivar
Johnnie Walker
Don Wilson - aka Harry Mann
Ernest Hilliard
Arnold Wingate
Lionel Belmore
Jasper Bolivar
David Mir
Eric Barrymaine
Joe Bordeaux
Auditoning Actor (uncredited)
Sidney Bracey
Don's Valet (uncredited)
Sidney D'Albrook
J. Madison Wilberforce (uncredited)
Mary Gordon
Woman in Audience (uncredited)
💬 Audience Reviews
Audience Score
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