The story begins at a collection agency. The boss is angry at Nat Pendleton (who plays his typical likable idiot in this film) because he's been a total failure at the job--particularly since Pendleton is too nice a guy for this sort of work. However, he gives him one more chance--he's to either get the money or parts bought by a young inventor (Lyle Talbot). But, when Pendleton sees the cool television that Talbot is working on, he becomes excited about it and offers to buy Talbot dinner AND help him get a job so he can afford to work on his experimental TV! I had a laugh when moments later, Pendleton introduced Talbot to the boss--and got him a job as a collection agent as well! How did he convince the boss? He told him that Talbot had job gotten out of jail for roughing up people on his previous job as a collection agent! At that point, Talbot begins threatening the boss--and is hired!
Soon, Talbot is sent out to collect from a client (Mary Astor). She is broke but Talbot, like Pendleton, is a softy and cannot bring himself to repossess the property. Instead, they strike up a friendship and she promises she'll help him find financing for his television, though considering she's broke this seems like a hollow gesture. But Astor has the "gift of blarney" and is somehow able to get the $200 Talbot needs. Things certainly are looking up for his invention. However, some crooks decide to sabotage the machine so that they can capitalize on television--leaving Talbot and his friends flat broke. What happens next is something you'll have to see for yourself.
I guess I have a soft spot for this movie. Since it's one of the earliest movies to discuss the new medium of TV, it's actually a very important historical piece. Plus, at the time, audiences must have been pretty excited to see this new gizmo. The acting is pretty good, there are a few nice laughs and it's a pleasant little B-movie. Not great but certainly pretty good and worth seeing--especially if you like films from the classic era in Hollywood.
Soon, Talbot is sent out to collect from a client (Mary Astor). She is broke but Talbot, like Pendleton, is a softy and cannot bring himself to repossess the property. Instead, they strike up a friendship and she promises she'll help him find financing for his television, though considering she's broke this seems like a hollow gesture. But Astor has the "gift of blarney" and is somehow able to get the $200 Talbot needs. Things certainly are looking up for his invention. However, some crooks decide to sabotage the machine so that they can capitalize on television--leaving Talbot and his friends flat broke. What happens next is something you'll have to see for yourself.
I guess I have a soft spot for this movie. Since it's one of the earliest movies to discuss the new medium of TV, it's actually a very important historical piece. Plus, at the time, audiences must have been pretty excited to see this new gizmo. The acting is pretty good, there are a few nice laughs and it's a pleasant little B-movie. Not great but certainly pretty good and worth seeing--especially if you like films from the classic era in Hollywood.