Lady for a Night (1942)

Joan is a riverboat queen who runs her casino with the aid of political boss Wayne. I saw this movie years ago in California and thought it was corny but cute. Certain scenes are rather ludicrous such as the raven in the window foretelling evil ahead and the malevolent presence of Blanche Yurka as Julia Alderson lingers in the memory for her campy playing. Yurka tries to poison Blondell when she tries marrying into the Alderson clan, but alas the potion is drank by a family member and guess who is charged? There are several musical numbers such as Blondell singing "Up in a Balloon" . A harmless way to while away an hour.

If you don't expect anything amazing, you'll enjoy this film. It's well-intentioned and could have been more, but it just doesn't have that magical chemistry that makes for a great movie. The plot is a bit hokey and predictable, but it wasn't trying to be anything more than that in the first place. Not a must-see, but a nice southern romance full of intrigue type of movie to sit back and relax with.

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This Republic Poverty Row B-movie is actually a pretty lavish costume drama set in post-Civil War Memphis; but filmed, I'm sure on a Republic back lot. Joan Blondell, a wonderful leading lady at Warner Brothers in the 30's, is the star, not John Wayne, and she gets to show off her singing and dancing abilities in the "Up in a Balloon" production number on the Memphis Belle, a gambling riverboat in Memphis, co-owned by her character. Jenny Blake and Wayne's character, Jack Morgan. Jenny, from the wrong side of the tracks, has a chance to marry a high society, but bankrupt, plantation owner and takes advantage of it. The plantation owner, played by a forgettable Ray Middleton, is completely unlovable and there is certainly no chemistry between Middleton and Blondell. While not an important film for Wayne, his role is a significant one, with his character, Jack Morgan stepping in to rescue Jenny in her time of need. What chemistry there is takes place between Wayne and Blondell. Enjoyable film to watch especially for Blondell and/or Wayne fans but the cheesy production values and often cringe-worthy dialogue keeps this one in the solid three-star category.

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If John Wayne is in it, how can it be bad? Joan Blondell and the Duke make a pretty good pair.

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this also helped compleat my set still want more of the early ones i have not got the man betrayed yet

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