Review of Blond Cheat

Blond Cheat (1938)
5/10
Fontaine during her B-film early phase toiling in forgettable programmers...
22 October 2007
At a time when Fontaine's sister had reached overnight stardom in '35's A MIDSUMMER NIGHT'S DREAM and CAPTAIN BLOOD, JOAN FONTAINE was in the starlet phase of her early career at RKO. She was very pretty and showed a modest amount of talent, but nobody suspected that in a few short years she would come into her own as an actress.

BLOND CHEAT is a pleasant enough programmer, designed to give Fontaine a chance to shine in a light romantic comedy. She has a role requiring her to be charming and coyly flirtatious with leading man DERRICK DE MARNEY, but the silly script is a bit much for anyone to deal with in credible fashion. Even CECIL KELLAWAY looks a bit foolish.

Fontaine is part of a scheme with a pair of expensive earrings, sent to break up an impending marriage by crafty millionaire CECIL KELLAWAY. Of course we know the marriage plans won't go through as soon as Fontaine and De Marney fall in love.

It's forgettable nonsense like this that kept Fontaine's career in low drive until she found more rewarding roles in the '40s.
7 out of 11 found this helpful. Was this review helpful? Sign in to vote.
Permalink

Recently Viewed