Merton of the Movies (1947)

Good concept, poorly executed.

This is one of the few movies I've ever seen where the whole audience broke into spontaneous, loud applause a third of the way in.

Ok... Let's be honest. It cannot be the best movie but is quite enjoyable. The movie has the potential to develop a great plot for future movies

Great movie. Not sure what people expected but I found it highly entertaining.

Kansas theater usher (and dramatic acting school graduate!) thwarts a robbery and is brought out to Hollywood by train in the Silent Era strictly for quick publicity; he winds up living on a park bench waiting for an acting job, and finally gets one filling in for his idol, an irresponsible star who's been hitting the bottle. Third film-version of a play by Marc Connelly and George S. Kaufman, based on Harry Leon Wilson's book, now revamped as a comedic vehicle for Red Skelton. Earliest scenes are best, with our dimply, aw-shucks hero politely scheming his way onto movie sets, with amusing results. Slapstick sequence at a high-toned Men's Club seems to belong to a different picture, although the pay-off there is also funny. Runs out of steam towards the end, however Skelton and Virginia O'Brien are a good match. Direction by former-choreographer Robert Alton is quick on its feet, and there are some big laughs in the first hour. **1/2 from ****

This isn't the best film Red Skelton ever made. That is probably either "The Fuller Brush Man" or maybe even when he was teamed with Fred Astaire in "Three Little Words". However, it is funny enough and very sweet. Skelton plays Merton Gill, an usher from a small town that dreams of making it big in films back in 1914. He unintentionally foils a robbery attempt at the theater where he works and attributes his success to his movie hero, Lawrence Rupert. Rupert's publicist thinks it would be good publicity for Rupert if Gill were invited to Hollywood for a few photos labeling Gill as Rupert's protégé. Unfortunately, Morton believes he really is Rupert's protégé and is disappointed when he is told to take a hike after the publicity campaign is over. He takes several stabs at making it in the movies, but his overacting and clumsiness get him ejected every time. What Morton doesn't know is that what is hideous acting in a drama is perfect for the slapstick comedies of the 1910's, and this leads to his big break. Skelton is perfect as the naive and easily rattled Merton, and Virginia O'Brien is very good as the stunt woman who ends up Merton's protector and love interest.The original silent version of this film made in 1924 is lost, and one interview with Buster Keaton prior to 1924 had him saying that he would really like to make this film himself. He did in a way. He was an uncredited gag man on this and many of Skelton's other MGM films, and you can see the Keaton touch in several of the gags throughout the film. Recommended if you want to watch something that will make you laugh and also warm your heart.

This is a pleasant little movie starring Red Skelton and Virginia O'Brien as actors in the infancy of the silent era. I enjoyed the film, but I didn't find it as entertaining as the three previous film reviewers.Both Red Skelton and Virginia O'Brien turned in nice performances; I kept waiting for her to sing at least one song, but it never happened. Gloria Grahame and Leon Ames also were believable in their roles.The movie was rather predictable and reminds one of Singin' in the Rain in spots.It is a movie worth checking out, but I won't be watching it again.

"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.