John Shelton, hardly a household name, plays Johnny Briggs--a would-be writer. With some money loaned to him by his uncle (Reginald Owen), he sets off to the city to make a name for himself. Unforatunately, he tries to get a job at a cowboy magazine run by a couple crooks (Albert Dekker and Charles Butterworth). These two are deeply in debt and keep promising money to various folks--including the printer and the man who writes all the articles (Donald Meek). But the printer and writer are sick of the promises and both refuse to do any more work for the magazine. In steps Briggs--who has a couple thousand dollars and is naive enough to think the publisher and editor will honor their contract. At first, the secretary, Margie (Virginia Grey), helps her bosses fool this eager young would-be writer, but she falls for the guy and takes his side--making sure the pair treat him right and give him a larger interest in the magazine. While this might seem like more of nothing, there is a supposed upcoming sale of the magazine and if it goes through, Briggs will get his money back and more. What's next? See the film.
This slickly made B-movie is not what a lot of people would expect from a director like Busby Berkeley--a man known for directing the most incredibly over-the-top musical production numbers in history (in films like "42nd Street", "Footlight Parade" and several of the Gold Diggers movies). However, he apparently preferred making 'normal' films and later got his chance--and "Blonde Inspiration" doesn't have a single song or dance number!
As I said above, this is a B-movie. you can tell for several reasons. Although it's from MGM and looks a lot nicer than the average B, its length is only about 70 minutes and the film has no big stars in the lead. However, being MGM, it has a great set of supporting actors with Meek, Butterworth, Dekker and Owen. However, I would add that Butterworth (who played wonderfully befuddled guys so well) isn't given a lot to do here. Meek, on the other hand, is great as the angry writer--as the idea of this wimpy guy writing cowboy tales is pretty funny--especially when he gets drunk and begins acting like a western hero! Overall, while not a brilliant or must-see film, it is breezy, likable and clever--and unique. I certainly can say that with over 15,000 reviews to my credit, I STILL can't think of any other film that reminds me of this one!
This slickly made B-movie is not what a lot of people would expect from a director like Busby Berkeley--a man known for directing the most incredibly over-the-top musical production numbers in history (in films like "42nd Street", "Footlight Parade" and several of the Gold Diggers movies). However, he apparently preferred making 'normal' films and later got his chance--and "Blonde Inspiration" doesn't have a single song or dance number!
As I said above, this is a B-movie. you can tell for several reasons. Although it's from MGM and looks a lot nicer than the average B, its length is only about 70 minutes and the film has no big stars in the lead. However, being MGM, it has a great set of supporting actors with Meek, Butterworth, Dekker and Owen. However, I would add that Butterworth (who played wonderfully befuddled guys so well) isn't given a lot to do here. Meek, on the other hand, is great as the angry writer--as the idea of this wimpy guy writing cowboy tales is pretty funny--especially when he gets drunk and begins acting like a western hero! Overall, while not a brilliant or must-see film, it is breezy, likable and clever--and unique. I certainly can say that with over 15,000 reviews to my credit, I STILL can't think of any other film that reminds me of this one!