Different people rate how good a movie is based on different criteria. I myself rate various different movies as being good or bad for various different reasons. I quite simply do not believe that one type of film should be judged by the standards of another. And although I like a meaningful film with a message as much as the next guy, I do not consider "pure entertainment" movies inferior. And if one succeeds very well at its intended task, in this case, entertaining, as well as being well-made in the various departments, such as acting, cinematography, etc, I will consider it as good or even great. And this movie is both very enjoyable and well-made. (And thus, in my eyes, great in its genre and intention). Glenda Farrell is perfect as Torchy Blane, a smart, sassy, wisecrackin' reporter always on the lookout for another scoop. Her sweetheart is Steve McBride(Barton Maclane), a tough flatfoot who is seldom right and a bit cranky, but all considered, he's a good egg.
This is also a must-see for Superman fans, as Lois Lane was based on Torchy. Although the name Lois Lane was taken from Lola Lane, one of the two actresses who took over the part of Torchy, Jerry Siegel confirmed that the character was based on Torchy as played by Glenda Farrell. Smart Blonde is a mystery, but it's not the most challenging case you're likely to see, although is does keep you guessing. The real reason to watch this is Torchy herself. She is beautiful, smart, hilarious, and has a certain energy that you have to see to understand. She is one of a kind. Glenda Farrell was a great actress. She wasn't the Oscar-winning type, but she knew how to light up the screen with her presence like few others. She is one of the greatest scene-stealers of all time.
Jane Wyman (who played Torchy in one of the later films, with mediocre results) is cute and funny in a small role as hat-check girl. This is also the first in a series of nine Torchy Blane movies made by Warner Brothers in the 1930s. Although seven (including this one) star Glenda Farrell and Barton Maclane as Torchy and Steve, in two she was replaced by other actresses, one being Jane Wyman, the other Lola Lane. These two both did disappointing jobs. Wyman tried her best, but it felt forced and didn't work well. Lola Lane was downright horrible in the role. Glenda Farrell was born for the part, and no one else could play it well. Overall, this is a hilarious, very entertaining comedy with a fairly interesting mystery. If you ever get the chance to see this or any of the other Glenda Farrell Torchy Blane movies, I highly recommend that you do. They are very good lighthearted, hilarious, feel-good movies that are ten times better than most comedies being made today.
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