Step into the glittering world of 1930s Broadway and high-stakes betting with “Don’t Bet on Blondes,” a sparkling pre-code romantic comedy from 1935, now beautifully colorized for a viewing experience like never before. This film, directed by Robert Florey, delivers a delicious blend of wit, romance, and clever scheming as it follows a bookmaker turned insurance man who finds himself caught between love and business. Perfect for classic film enthusiasts and those seeking a taste of Hollywood’s Golden Age comedy, this HD download brings a gem of cinematic history to your screen.
“Don’t Bet on Blondes” centers around Odds Owen (Warren William), a savvy Broadway bookmaker who decides to switch careers after a close call with a fixed horse race. Inspired by Lloyd’s of London, Owen ventures into the unusual insurance policy business, where he encounters the beautiful actress Marilyn Youngblood (Claire Dodd).
Unbeknownst to Marilyn, her father, Colonel Youngblood (Guy Kibbee), has taken out a policy against her getting married within three years. As Owen works to prevent Marilyn from tying the knot to protect his investment, he finds himself falling for her charms. The ensuing romantic complications lead to a series of hilarious misunderstandings and schemes, culminating in a race against time to either stop or ensure a wedding.
The film cleverly plays with the conventions of romantic comedy, using the insurance policy as a unique twist on the classic “bet on love” trope. It showcases the snappy dialogue and sophisticated humor characteristic of pre-code Hollywood, while also touching on themes of love, loyalty, and the unpredictability of the human heart.
“Don’t Bet on Blondes” features a talented ensemble:
Warren William as Oscar “Odds” Owen
Claire Dodd as Marilyn Youngblood
Guy Kibbee as Colonel Jefferson Davis Youngblood
William Gargan as Numbers
Vince Barnett as Chuck aka “Brains”
Hobart Cavanaugh as Philbert O. Slemp
Errol Flynn as David Van Dusen (in an early role)
“Don’t Bet on Blondes” is a pre-code romantic comedy that blends elements of screwball humor, witty dialogue, and light-hearted romance. Its clever premise and fast-paced plot make it a quintessential example of 1930s Hollywood comedy.
Released in 1935, “Don’t Bet on Blondes” represents the tail end of Hollywood’s pre-code era, a period before strict censorship guidelines were enforced. This allowed for more risqué content and adult themes, evident in the film’s playful approach to gambling, romance, and marital schemes.
The film also captures the spirit of Depression-era America, where get-rich-quick schemes and unconventional business ventures like Owen’s unusual insurance policies reflected the economic anxieties and entrepreneurial spirit of the time.
This colorized version of “Don’t Bet on Blondes” has been meticulously restored using state-of-the-art digital techniques. The process involved carefully analyzing the original black and white footage and assigning appropriate colors to each scene, bringing new life to the 1930s fashions, Broadway glamour, and the charismatic performances of the cast.
The colorization enhances the visual appeal of the film’s stylish settings, from bustling Broadway offices to elegant social gatherings. It allows modern viewers to fully appreciate the film’s production design and costume work, which were integral to establishing its world of high-stakes betting and romantic entanglements.
Director: Robert Florey
Screenplay: Isabel Dawn and Boyce DeGaw
Cinematography: Arthur L. Todd
Edited by: Terry Morse
Production Company: Warner Bros.
Distributed by: Warner Bros.
Runtime: 60 minutes
Download Format: MP4
Resolution: HD (1080p)
Compatibility: Compatible with most devices, including smartphones, tablets, computers, and smart TVs.
“Don’t Bet on Blondes” was well-received upon its release, with critics praising its witty dialogue and the charismatic performances of Warren William and Claire Dodd. The Los Angeles Times called it a “sparkling comedy” that showcased William’s talents as a “delightful and suave comedian.”
While not as widely remembered as some other pre-code classics, the film has gained appreciation among classic movie enthusiasts for its clever premise, snappy dialogue, and the early appearance of Errol Flynn in a small role, just before his breakout in “Captain Blood” later that year.
Q: Is “Don’t Bet on Blondes” suitable for all ages?
A: As a pre-code film, it contains some mature themes and innuendos that may not be suitable for very young viewers.
Q: How does the colorized version compare to the original?
A: The colorization process enhances the visual appeal while preserving the film’s original charm and wit.
Q: Who are the main stars of “Don’t Bet on Blondes”?
A: The film stars Warren William as Odds Owen and Claire Dodd as Marilyn Youngblood.
Q: Is this Errol Flynn’s first film?
A: No, but it’s one of his early Hollywood appearances before his breakout role in “Captain Blood.”
Q: How long is the movie?
A: The runtime is 60 minutes, making it a brisk and entertaining watch.
Experience the Wit and Charm of “Don’t Bet on Blondes” Today!