Watch Platinum Blonde

Platinum Blonde is a 1931 romantic comedy film directed by Frank Capra and starring Jean Harlow, Loretta Young, and Robert Williams. The film is set in New York City and explores the lives and relationships of three main characters: newspaper reporter Stew Smith (Williams), wealthy heiress Anne Schuyler (Young), and the titular platinum blonde, Daisy (Harlow).

The film opens with Stew, an ambitious young reporter, attempting to get an interview with millionaire Michael Schuyler, Anne's father. Stew is unsuccessful in his attempt, but he soon finds himself running into Anne at a nightclub. Despite his initial impression that Anne is spoiled and entitled, Stew is drawn to her beauty and charm. However, Anne is engaged to a wealthy socialite named Grayson, and Stew soon finds himself competing for her affection.

Meanwhile, Stew is assigned to interview Daisy, a beautiful actress known for her platinum blonde hair. Daisy takes a liking to Stew and invites him to a party at her apartment. At the party, Stew meets several Hollywood celebrities and becomes intrigued by Daisy's glamorous lifestyle. However, he soon discovers that beneath the surface, Daisy is lonely and unhappy. The two begin to develop a close friendship, even as Stew's pursuit of Anne continues.

As the film progresses, Stew must navigate the competing demands of his career and his romantic entanglements. He finds himself torn between the comfortable and familiar world of Anne and the excitement and unpredictability of Daisy's life. Along the way, he learns valuable lessons about love, sacrifice, and the importance of being true to oneself.

One of the standout features of Platinum Blonde is the performances of the three leads. Jean Harlow is particularly noteworthy as Daisy, bringing a combination of charm, vulnerability, and sensuality to the role. Loretta Young is also excellent as Anne, bringing depth and complexity to a character who could easily have become one-dimensional. Robert Williams is well-cast as Stew, delivering a performance that is both charming and relatable.

Another notable aspect of Platinum Blonde is its depiction of New York City during the early 1930s. The film captures the hustle and bustle of the city, as well as the stark contrasts between the wealthy elite and the working-class. Some of the most memorable scenes take place in nightclubs and speakeasies, where Stew and his friends drink, dance, and flirt with attractive women.

Overall, Platinum Blonde is a delightful and engaging romantic comedy that has aged surprisingly well. While some of its themes and attitudes may seem outdated to contemporary viewers, the film's strong performances and witty dialogue make it a worthwhile watch for anyone interested in classic Hollywood cinema.

Platinum Blonde is a 1931 comedy with a runtime of 1 hour and 29 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.7.