Blond Cheat (1938)
7/10
Lively comedy features cute stars, clever plot
14 March 2020
Good-natured Cecil Kellaway runs the Trafalgar Loan Company. His employee Robert Coote has his eyes on Kellaway's daughter but the girl is currently interested in Derrick De Marney, another clerk who happens to have some blue blood.

One day at closing time a man rushes in, says he desperately needs a loan, and offers his daughter's earrings as security. De Marney takes a look at the daughter--Joan Fontaine--and hands over the money. As the man races out the door, De Marney realizes that the earrings don't come out and the man has left Fontaine herself as security. De Marney had plans to dine with the boss--but he can't very well let those earrings out of his sight.

Joan Fontaine is excellent as the beautiful but also resourceful young woman who is attached to De Marney for the evening. De Marney is very funny as the conscientious but rather hapless young man who really wants to be a good employee.

The entire cast is good, including Kellaway as the slightly mischievous boss, and Coote as the sharp-witted fellow clerk. ("My dear chap, I know a wild oat when I see one," he smirks at De Marney upon discovering him and Fontaine in a café booth.)

The plot contains some neat surprises and clever twists, with plenty of enjoyable interaction between Fontaine and De Marney, who are both quite charming. Overall, it's silly but fun.
3 out of 5 found this helpful. Was this review helpful? Sign in to vote.
Permalink

Recently Viewed