bkoganbing Texas Guinan was so much a symbol of the Roaring Twenties and the Prohibition Era it seems almost poetic that she died just as alcohol became legal again in the USA.As performer the real Guinan was not as good as Betty Hutton at putting over a song. But Guinan made her reputation as the raucous high living host of one of New York's most well known speakeasy. Everyone who was anyone came to her place for a good time in the Twenties and Texas Guinan knew how to throw a party.Betty Hutton perfectly captures Guinan's infectious spirit infusing and channeling Guinan into her own infectious style. Of course a lot of fact, most prominently two husbands before the character that Arturo DeCordova plays. Her parents did in fact survive her. Barry Fitzgerald who plays her rascal of a father does his usual scene stealing business. Mary Phillips is on ever so briefly as her mother and according to Wikipedia, Guinan's mother lived to be 101. She was very much alive when Incendiary Blonde was made and I believe the script was purposefully vague about her character.Betty sings several old standards during the film and they are the highlight. I particularly liked It Had To Be You, Row Row Row, and Ragtime Cowboy Joe, all of those numbers suit her perfectly. You can see the real Texas Guinan in a couple of films, Queen Of The Nightclubs which was shot in New York and in which George Raft had a prominent bit and also Broadway Through A Keyhole which had Russ Columbo in one of his few films. I think you'll agree if you ever do see those films and they aren't shown often at how well Betty Hutton did with Texas Guinan. As Texas Guinan used to say "Hello Suckers". But you'll be no sucker if you see Incendiary Blonde.

edwagreen Absolutely fabulous Betty Hutton vehicle where she portrays the life of Texas Guinan, rodeo queen, actress, Broadway starlet and nightclub entertainer, whose personal life was such a heartbreak. This is definitely one of Hutton's better films and finer performances. It was as if the part were written for her.She had wonderful support from Arturo de Cordova, a business person falling in with gangsters and who had horrible tragedies with the loves of his life.Barry Fitzgerald provides some comic relief as her spud investing father who found himself on Broadway instead.The singing and dancing routines are marvelously staged, but it's Miss Hutton's vehicle all the way. What stamina and true grit she gave to the part.The picture begins in an interesting way, not often tackled that way by Hollywood. Of course, it works its way back to depict her tragic, but exciting life.

JLRMovieReviews Betty Hutton is Texas Guinan in this Hollywood bio-pic that is vastly superior to others of its kind due to, number one, Betty Hutton, who always gave her all in everything she did, and number two, its almost reverential treatment and regard to its subject matter, with a very fulfilling ending that leaves the viewer wanting more and letting our imagination reflect on what is ahead for Texas Guinan. If you've never heard of Texas Guinan, then you need to catch this to see for yourself Betty Hutton at her best. She gives this movie the zest and heart that many other bio-pics lack and she is given the role of a lifetime as she lives and loves for one man. This is required Betty Hutton viewing!

GManfred Tough to tell where to start with this picture as I was very disappointed. I know Betty Hutton is an acquired taste but I thought supporting performances, music and a good storyline would offset her usual over-the-top star turn.Production values were excellent and Fox spent plenty of money producing this one. Good support, especially dependable Charlie Ruggles. The male lead, Arturo DeCordoba, was lifeless and uncharismatic, his acting ranging from a pained,crestfallen look to a wan smile. I never thought I would say this let alone write it but Barry Fitzgerald was an annoying presence and spent a lot of his Irish charm in 'Going My Way". I did think the music would be a saving grace as there are many songs listed for this picture, but it was mostly incidental and background. She did sing a few songs in her inimitable style. But the worst offense was the script which created and telegraphed artificial moments, falling flat in crucial spots and playing to the crowd too often. It is a stem-winder of a family picture for viewers of all ages, and the younger the better, I suppose.This one is an 8x10 glossy for die-hard Hutton fans, all form and no substance.