Richard Chatten
The silent era was still barely twenty years ago when this third version of the early 20's Broadway hit (which had then of course been a contemporary subject) was made; and to make the era quainter the action has been moved back to 1915 (Harry Leon Wilson's original novel had been published in 1922), although it makes little difference, and one doesn't really get much authentic flavour of silent days.Five years later came Hollywood's definitive pastiche of Hollywood during the twenties - 'Singin' in the Rain' - and the cast of 'Merton of the Movies' even includes (playing Leo Ames' manager) Douglas Fowley, who played the hapless silent director coming to terms with the microphone in the later film. Blonde movie star Beulah Baxter proves a much more likeable person than the ghastly Lina Lamont immortalised by Jean Hagen in 'Singin' in the Rain'; and scarily staring-eyed Virginia O'Brien might have made a more convincing silent-screen vamp than baby-faced Gloria Grahame during her brief mid-forties incarnation here as a blonde. What Miss O'Brien sees in that gurning galoot Red Skelton is anybody's guess, but she makes an interesting heroine, and the film is pleasant enough if superficial.
MartinHafer
"Merton of the Movies" is a Red Skelton movie that sure lacked originality. It's based on the movie by the same name from 1924 and was already remade in 1932. Additionally, the plot bears a very strong resemblance to a Harold Lloyd film from 1932--"Movie Crazy". So, while this 1947 film is nice, it's all terribly familiar. Plus, the Lloyd film was a heck of a lot better.Skelton plays the title character, Merton Gill--a rube from a small town that thought his path to becoming a movie star was by taking a correspondence course. So, when he wins a trip to Hollywood, he incorrectly assumes it's because of his diploma--but it's really just a publicity stunt. However, he's not deterred and tries to get work as an extra. But he's a clumsy oaf and seems to be out of place in dramas-- until his girlfriend (also an actress) convinces the studio executives to use his terrible footage and just market the films as comedies. Soon, Merton is a star but has no idea everyone is laughing at him. What's next? This is a rather agreeable film but not much more. Skelton has done better stuff but it's a decent time-passer provided you haven't seen these other films--then it just seems a bit repetitious.
J. Spurlin
Merton Gill (Red Skelton) is an usher from Tinkerton, Kansas, who yearns to be a movie actor and thinks his worthless diploma from the Budolph School of Dramatic Acting will help him realize his dream. When Merton foils a robbery - supposedly using the skills he learned from his idol, Lawrence Rupert - the fading film star's gun-toting lackeys bring Merton to Hollywood to drum up some much-needed publicity. But after a speedy photo shoot, Rupert and his underlings are through with the country bumpkin and give him a ticket back home. A resolute Merton remains in Hollywood and does his best to get a job at Mammoth Studio, where he befriends the famous Beulah Baxter's stunt double, Phyllis Montague (Virginia O'Brien). Merton proves to be a natural - if unintentional - comedian and gets a job burlesquing Lawrence Rupert. Only Merton thinks he is playing a serious part.This poorly plotted slapstick comedy pays half-hearted homage to the silent movie days and does a particularly indifferent job of recreating Keystone-style antics in the climax. There are several funny sequences, including a scene at a men's club and another in which Beulah Baxter (Gloria Grahame) attempts to get Merton drunk - but they have little to do with movie-making.The romantic angle is surprisingly affecting. Skelton does an adorable job with a sometimes irritatingly naive character, and the quirky Virginia O'Brien gives her character three times what it deserves.
Paul-166
"Merton of the Movies" is one of the best movies I have ever seen, and it is one of my personal favorites. Red Skelton and Virginia O'Brien are both smashing as usual. The role of the naive, unknowing Merton Gill/Clifford Armytage is perfect for Skelton. The role of the knowing, comforting, concerned Phyllis Montague is perfect for O'Brien. It also provides a decent view into the workings of Hollywood and of the private lives of the stars during the silent film era. It is also a very touching movie, as we see O'Brien's increasing concern for Skelton's well-being. This is a must-see for any comedy fan, and those who love a good romance.
AD
