The Matinee Idol
"Here's a real comedy of the theater, which takes you behind the scenes of a thrilling melodrama and shows you how they acted in the old ten-twenty-thirties. You'll learn how to make love and say nice things to your sweetheart."
Originally released in 1928. The Matinee Idol is a romance/comedy film. directed by Frank Capra. At just 56 minutes, it's a tight, focused story.
Starring Bessie Love, Johnnie Walker, and Ernest Hilliard
Synopsis
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.
Quick Facts
Release Date
March 14, 1928
97 years ago
Runtime
0h 56m
56 minutes total
User Rating
6.4/10
Good (18 votes)
Language
English
Original language
Country
United States of America
Production
Director
Top Cast
Bessie Love
as Ginger Bolivar
Johnnie Walker
as Don Wilson - aka Harry Mann
Ernest Hilliard
as Arnold Wingate
Lionel Belmore
as Jasper Bolivar
David Mir
as Eric Barrymaine
Joe Bordeaux
as Auditoning Actor (uncredited)
Sidney Bracey
as Don's Valet (uncredited)
Sidney D'Albrook
as J. Madison Wilberforce (uncredited)
Mary Gordon
as Woman in Audience (uncredited)
Production Details
- Status
- Released
- Original Language
- EN
Production Companies
- Columbia Pictures
Frequently Asked Questions
What is The Matinee Idol about?
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 l...
Who directed The Matinee Idol?
The Matinee Idol was directed by Frank Capra.
How long is The Matinee Idol?
The Matinee Idol has a runtime of 0 hours and 56 minutes (56 minutes total).
When was The Matinee Idol released?
The Matinee Idol was released on March 14, 1928 in theaters.
Who are the main actors in The Matinee Idol?
The main cast of The Matinee Idol includes Bessie Love, Johnnie Walker, Ernest Hilliard, Lionel Belmore, David Mir.