Platinum Blonde

Platinum Blonde is a 1931 American pre-Code romantic comedy motion picture directed by Frank Capra, written by Jo Swerling and starring Loretta Young, Robert Williams and Jean Harlow. Platinum Blonde was Robert Williams' last screen appearance; he died of peritonitis three days after the film's October 31 release. Though not as well known as Capra's later 1930s movies, the film's reputation has grown over the years. It is occasionally aired in the United States on Turner Classic Movies. Plot Stewart "Stew" Smith, ace reporter for the Post, is assigned to get the story about the latest escapade of playboy Michael Schuyler, a breach of promise suit by chorus girl Gloria Golden, who has been paid to drop it. Unlike rival Daily Tribune reporter Bingy Baker, he turns down a $50 bribe from Dexter Grayson, the Schuylers' lawyer, to not write anything. He does pretend to be swayed by the pleas of Anne, Michael's sister, but then brazenly calls his editor with the scoop, appalling the Schuylers. Stew returns to the house to return a copy of Conrad he had taken from the Schuylers' library. The butler, Smythe, tries to make him leave, but Anne sees him. Stew surprises Anne by presenting her with Michael's love letters to Gloria, who had intended to use them to extort more money from the Schuylers. Anne offers Stew a $5,000 check, which he refuses. She asks why he reported the suit, but not the love notes. Stew explains that one was news, the other, blackmail. He later tells her he is writing a play. Intrigued, Anne wonders if she can turn him into a gentleman. She invites him to a party at the house.