Incendiary Blonde (1945) User Reviews (13)

for Betty Hutton fans

[blanche-2 · 7/10 · 25 May 2016]

If you like Betty Hutton, you'll like "Incendiary Blonde," the story of Texas Guinan, made in 1945.

The story of the famous owner of the 300 Club (one of several she owned or co-owned), a speakeasy, at 151 W. 54th Street in New York City, is perfect for Hutton. Texas was a larger than life figure who started out as a chorus girl, appeared in silent films, and became most famous for being hostess of her club, which was patronized by people such as George Gershwin, Pola Negri, Mae West, Jeanne Eagels, Gloria Swanson, John Gilbert, Clara Bow, Gloria Morgan (Gloria Vanderbilt's mother) and many others.

Though constantly being raided by the police, she pulled in a fortune. She died of ulcerative colitis at the age of 49 in Vancouver, while on tour with her show, Too Hot for Paris, though the film doesn't end with her death or go into her tour.

I suspect the film is highly fictionalized, as it leaves out her three husbands, instead concentrating on an affair with Bill Kilgannon (Arturo de Cordova) who was married to a woman in a sanitarium and wasn't free.

Betty Hutton wears a series of gorgeous costumes and is able to use her big belt voice in songs like "Row, Row, Row," "It Had to Be You," and "Ragtime Cowboy Joe." She captures the essence of what Guinan must have been like: a huge personality, brassy, and glamorous.

Others in the cast include Barry Fitzgerald as Tex's father, Mary Philips as her mother (both her parents outlived her, and her mother died at 101), Charlie Ruggles, and Albert Dekker.

The end is a little unsatisfactory and may have been an alternate ending.

All in all, Hutton makes the movie, which is otherwise not much.

"Hello Suckers"

[bkoganbing · 8/10 · 11 April 2012]

Texas Guinan was so much a symbol of the Roaring Twenties and the Prohibition Era it seems almost poetic that she died just as alcohol became legal again in the USA.

As performer the real Guinan was not as good as Betty Hutton at putting over a song. But Guinan made her reputation as the raucous high living host of one of New York's most well known speakeasy. Everyone who was anyone came to her place for a good time in the Twenties and Texas Guinan knew how to throw a party.

Betty Hutton perfectly captures Guinan's infectious spirit infusing and channeling Guinan into her own infectious style. Of course a lot of fact, most prominently two husbands before the character that Arturo DeCordova plays. Her parents did in fact survive her. Barry Fitzgerald who plays her rascal of a father does his usual scene stealing business. Mary Phillips is on ever so briefly as her mother and according to Wikipedia, Guinan's mother lived to be 101. She was very much alive when Incendiary Blonde was made and I believe the script was purposefully vague about her character.

Betty sings several old standards during the film and they are the highlight. I particularly liked It Had To Be You, Row Row Row, and Ragtime Cowboy Joe, all of those numbers suit her perfectly.

You can see the real Texas Guinan in a couple of films, Queen Of The Nightclubs which was shot in New York and in which George Raft had a prominent bit and also Broadway Through A Keyhole which had Russ Columbo in one of his few films. I think you'll agree if you ever do see those films and they aren't shown often at how well Betty Hutton did with Texas Guinan.

As Texas Guinan used to say "Hello Suckers". But you'll be no sucker if you see Incendiary Blonde.

Hutton acquits herself well but the film is a bit disappointing...

[Doylenf · 6/10 · 15 October 2010]

As splashy entertainment goes, this one is very splashy indeed, wrapped up in an abundance of Technicolor and show biz with costumes and sets that stamp it as a big-budget extravaganza centering on BETTY HUTTON.

While she creates a colorful portrait of Texas Guinan, none of the other characters really stand out, not even BARRY FITZGERALD who is short changed by playing a dim supporting role as her "so Irish" father. ARTURO de CORDOVA is decent enough as the man she falls head over heels in love with, but again, his role is strictly second tier while Hutton has the spotlight. Her musical numbers are all performed with skill and given the full Hutton personality which suits the Texas Guinan character completely.

For Betty Hutton fans, this is certainly one of her better films at Paramount, where she demonstrated a talent for playing wacky dames with a zest for life. She's zestier than ever here, in a colorful role that is a forerunner of things to come--mainly, her Annie in ANNIE GET YOUR GUN. She even has some tearfully dramatic moments when the script tries to dig deeper into her personal loves and fears. She handles the varied situations well under George Marshall's direction.

But when it's all over, it's a bit of a disappointment that leads to a downbeat ending.

Incendiary Betty Hutton

[drednm · 1 June 2007]

Gorgeous Technicolor bio of Texas Guinan is a lot of hooey but offers Betty Hutton a great role, and she's spectacular... one of her very best performances.

The films shows the rise of Guinan, a famous silent film and Broadway star of the teens and 20s, from her rise in a wild west show, through her various careers and through her failed romances. Guinan was famous for her greeting of "Hello, suckers!" and was a major "personality" of her time. Guinan's best-remembered film is Broadway THROUGH A KEYHOLE.

Hutton captures the quirky Guinan perfectly and gets to sing and dance, ride a horse, act in silent films, emote, and look absolutely fabulous. Hutton also gets to wear some spectacular gowns. The sets and costumes are excellent throughout.

Arturo de Cordova co-stars as the love interest. Also Charlie Ruggles, Barry Fitzgerald, Mary Philips, Eduardo Ciannelli, Maurice Rocco (ecellent) as the waiter/pianist, Bill Goodwin as the husband, Bess Flowers, Albert Dekker, Frank Faylen, Jane Jones, etc.

But Hutton is front and center here and you can't take your eyes off her. This film ranks with TH PERILS OF PAULINE, THE MIRACLE OF MORGAN'S CREEK,and ANNIE GET YOUR GUN as among the best Betty Hutton films.

spoilers.. Guinan story close to accurate

[ksf-2 · 7/10 · 5 February 2020]

SPOILERS -- The story of Texas Guinan and the various chapters of her life. She had started in vaudeville, was in hollywood from 1917 up into the talkies. Ran several speak-easies during prohibition, and got into legal trouble, but the coppers couldn't seem to make the charges stick. apparently they could never prove she actually owned the establishments. Larger than life character. has an intersting story on wikipedia. Guinan actually died quite young at 49 of dysentery, (JUST before prohibition was repealed!) but in the film, they say she has a heart condition. Stars Betty Hutton and Arturo de Córdova. Guinan's father is played by the irish actor Barry Fitzgerald. The real surprise here are all the folks in the various surrounding roles, some credited, some uncredited. cast of thousands. they took many liberties with the actual events.. but it is what it is. pretty good, if you can go with the flow. Directed by George Marshall.. had started in the silent films, and worked into the talkies. Marshall had been one of the (many) directors on How the West was Won, which won several oscars. Marshall had also worked extensively with Laurel and Hardy. Incendiary Blonde was nominated for best music.

Hutton, Yes; Woolworth, No

[writers_reign · 7/10 · 11 June 2017]

Having always found Betty Hutton a tad manic in lieu of talented I've just watched two of her movies that caused me to revise my opinion, first off, Here Come The Waves, in which she pulled off a dual role as twins and then Incendiary Blonde, an alleged bio-pic of Texas Guinan that fits where it touches. Hutton was a natural and probably the only choice to portray the larger-than-life personality but it's as if once the producers realized Hutton was made for the role they threw out the facts of Guinan's life, gave Hutton her head and stood back to count the take so that instead of the three times married real Guinan we get Hutton as a one-woman man who waits nun-like for her true love to claim her - which he never does. In 1945 no one was going to let out a squawk about facts as long as the leading lady delivered which she did in spades. Recommended.

Aside from some aspects of casting, an interesting film...once

[vincentlynch-moonoi · 7/10 · 9 April 2016]

I wasn't really expecting much out of this film, but I watched it because I think Betty Hutton (and all that happened to her in later life) was quite interesting, and I always enjoy seeing Charles Ruggles. After a slow start, I was quite pleasantly surprised. It's a pretty good movie.

Technically, the Technicolor is beautiful, if in some places a bit gaudy.

The basically true story is of an early performer named "Texas" Guinan, who started her life as an entertainer in a wild west show, moved on to national vaudeville, and was an influential entertainer during Prohibition. The film seems somewhat realistic in portraying her story, which is intriguing.

Whether or not you enjoy the film will probably depend on how you feel about the cast. Boisterous Betty Hutton as Texas Guinan is fine...a role seemingly made for her! She was a decent singer and had real pizazz. Arturo de Cordova is another matter; he plays the love interest. I've probably seen him in other films, but he's pretty forgettable as a leading man; his American career was rather short (and I can see why), after which he returned to Mexican films. Charles Ruggles is as "fun" as ever, although you'll hardly recognize him early in the film as a Buffalo Bill type character, and his importance in the film fades as it progresses. And then there's a character actor I truly dislike -- Barry Fitzgerald -- as Texas' father.

I'm glad to have watched it. It was interesting. I have no desire to watch it again, mostly because of the presence of de Cordova and Fitzgerald.

Entertaining...if not subtle.

[planktonrules · 6/10 · 27 May 2020]

Betty Hutton is an actress you most likely will either love or hate. I should be up front and mention that I am not a fan of her films, as she had a strong tendency to deliver her lines like she was a carnival barker! When she sang, she tended to belt out the tunes as opposed to singing. And, when she acted, she was similar...with little in the way of subtlety or finesse...just LOTS of energy and power. So, as you read my review, understand that I am not enamored with her acting.

When the film began, a note appeared on the screen which said that the film was INSPIRED by the life of Texas Guinan....Hollywood code for saying that much of this biopic is fiction. I hate this about too many biopics during the classic era--where the studios didn't trust the source material and felt a need to embellish things. In some cases, the embellishments were minor...in others pretty much ALL the story (apart from names) is fiction. A great example of this is Cary Grant in "Night and Day"...which was nearly all made up and shows little resemblance to the life of Cole Porter. How much "Incendiary Blonde" deviates from truth isn't so clear, however, as Texas Guinan certainly is NOT a household name today...in fact there's very little about her apart from a Wikipedia page I found about this woman. But what they did have in that article indicates that Guinan actually played very fast and loose with her life story. So...I guess that if Hollywood changed the facts here and there, well perhaps it didn't matter since NO ONE seems to know the full story of this colorful lady.

The story began with Texas (Betty Hutton) going from obscurity to leading lady in a wild west show much like Buffalo Bill's. Then, she went on to a career on Broadway, films and ultimately a top night club performer. And, as a night club performer she was all Betty...loud, brash and the life of the party.

So is this any good? Yes....but not in the least bit subtle. But the story is glossy and interesting...whether it's true or not. But one thing we do know to be true...Guinan's death was NOT at all like they showed it in the movie. But saying she died from dysentery isn't exactly a cinematic way to die!

Hutton 101 is Texas Guinan, an Incendiary Blonde!

[JLRMovieReviews · 10/10 · 23 June 2010]

Betty Hutton is Texas Guinan in this Hollywood bio-pic that is vastly superior to others of its kind due to, number one, Betty Hutton, who always gave her all in everything she did, and number two, its almost reverential treatment and regard to its subject matter, with a very fulfilling ending that leaves the viewer wanting more and letting our imagination reflect on what is ahead for Texas Guinan. If you've never heard of Texas Guinan, then you need to catch this to see for yourself Betty Hutton at her best. She gives this movie the zest and heart that many other bio-pics lack and she is given the role of a lifetime as she lives and loves for one man. This is required Betty Hutton viewing!

Incendiary Blonde-Betty Hutton Lights Up the Screen ****

[edwagreen · 10/10 · 23 October 2010]

Absolutely fabulous Betty Hutton vehicle where she portrays the life of Texas Guinan, rodeo queen, actress, Broadway starlet and nightclub entertainer, whose personal life was such a heartbreak. This is definitely one of Hutton's better films and finer performances. It was as if the part were written for her.

She had wonderful support from Arturo de Cordova, a business person falling in with gangsters and who had horrible tragedies with the loves of his life.

Barry Fitzgerald provides some comic relief as her spud investing father who found himself on Broadway instead.

The singing and dancing routines are marvelously staged, but it's Miss Hutton's vehicle all the way. What stamina and true grit she gave to the part.

The picture begins in an interesting way, not often tackled that way by Hollywood. Of course, it works its way back to depict her tragic, but exciting life.

Hutton great, film...well?

[SanDiego · 25 December 2000]

INCENDIARY BLONDE came somewhere in the middle of Butty Hutton's film career and there is no doubt that every moment she is on screen she is a wonder to behold. Gorgeous, funny, sexy, talented, are all words to describe Betty Hutton and without a doubt films like this are why. Like many of her better films this is a biography of a famous performer, in this case, Prohibition-era nightclub performer Texas Guinan who rose to fame starting in a Wild West Show and then onto a brief stint in Hollywood's silent films. Though this is not a lesser film in any respect (it boasts a good budget, nice color and costumes, and a good supporting cast) it fails to rise to the level of Betty Hutton's great films. INCENDIARY BLONDE begins with two equestrian policeman watching a memorial for the late performer and one of them telling the story of the woman who predicted she would die at the heights of her career as a young woman. Curiously, this device is not continued and is not used as a framing device, in fact, the film ends shortly before Texas Guinan's death. Even at close to two hours, the film zips through several career changes and because of this, we never settle in long enough for her to develop relationships with any of the other characters, nor is there much development of her own character. The always enjoyable Charles Ruggles is unrecognizable as a Buffalo Bill type of character for half the film (later clean shaven as he heads for Hollywood) and therefore he has much less impact than he normally would. The part of her family (the only consistency in the film) is kept in low profile with the exception of her father, played by the always great Barry Fitzgerald. Even though, Fitzgerald's role is small and he has no room to develop more than just a cartoon persona of a "hick" in the big city (he has no time to slow down and act as say he did in GOING MY MY.) Because his role is smaller, Fitzgerald's relationship with Hutton is not as developed either as it was in their earlier pairing in THE STORK CLUB. Hutton joins a Wild West show for a short while and we shades of a relationship between her and her boss, played by Arturo de Cordova. The film does a nice job in this area but it is eventually overshadowed by memories of the much grander ANNIE GET YOUR GUN which Hutton would make five years later. We see a little of early Hollywood as Guinan moves into silent pictures, which is also nicely done, and also overshadowed by memories of the much grander PERILS OF PAULINE. After a blink-of-an-eye career on the Broadway stage (the highlight: Hutton wears the sexiest skin-revealing costumes of her career), Texas Guinan builds a career as a nightclub performer (also nicely done, also overshadowed by memories of the much grander THE STORK CLUB). There is nothing terribly wrong with this film and Hutton fans will place this higher than her early career black-and-white low budget efforts, but the ending is a terrible let down, without any hope. Caution: If you are expecting the film to resolve it's problems, it won't. In whole, it does not reach the heights of her classics, but still there are enough parts to warm anyone who loves Betty Hutton (as long as you don't finish the film).

Unnecessary Blonde

[GManfred · 24 February 2010]

Tough to tell where to start with this picture as I was very disappointed. I know Betty Hutton is an acquired taste but I thought supporting performances, music and a good storyline would offset her usual over-the-top star turn.

Production values were excellent and Fox spent plenty of money producing this one. Good support, especially dependable Charlie Ruggles. The male lead, Arturo DeCordoba, was lifeless and uncharismatic, his acting ranging from a pained,crestfallen look to a wan smile. I never thought I would say this let alone write it but Barry Fitzgerald was an annoying presence and spent a lot of his Irish charm in 'Going My Way". I did think the music would be a saving grace as there are many songs listed for this picture, but it was mostly incidental and background. She did sing a few songs in her inimitable style.

But the worst offense was the script which created and telegraphed artificial moments, falling flat in crucial spots and playing to the crowd too often. It is a stem-winder of a family picture for viewers of all ages, and the younger the better, I suppose.

This one is an 8x10 glossy for die-hard Hutton fans, all form and no substance.