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"Merton of the Movies" is a Red Skelton movie that sure lacked originality. It's based on the movie by the same name from 1924 and was already remade in 1932. Additionally, the plot bears a very strong resemblance to a Harold Lloyd film from 1932--"Movie Crazy". So, while this 1947 film is nice, it's all terribly familiar. Plus, the Lloyd film was a heck of a lot better.

Skelton plays the title character, Merton Gill--a rube from a small town that thought his path to becoming a movie star was by taking a correspondence course. So, when he wins a trip to Hollywood, he incorrectly assumes it's because of his diploma--but it's really just a publicity stunt. However, he's not deterred and tries to get work as an extra. But he's a clumsy oaf and seems to be out of place in dramas-- until his girlfriend (also an actress) convinces the studio executives to use his terrible footage and just market the films as comedies. Soon, Merton is a star but has no idea everyone is laughing at him. What's next?

This is a rather agreeable film but not much more. Skelton has done better stuff but it's a decent time-passer provided you haven't seen these other films--then it just seems a bit repetitious.

Today as part of a Red Skelton tribute on his birthday TCM showed this among many of his other movies, and I'd like to say that even though I only tuned in in time to see only half of this movie, Merton was no disappointment! You're not exactly splitting your sides, but you are entertained and amused as long as you are watching it. Skelton makes it look so easy, but achieving what he was able to while keeping his comedy clean as a whistle is pure genius and well worth watching!

If "slapstick" is your genre here is one of the best. I saw it in 1947 or -48 shortly after its release.

I have been on the lookout for it on tape but to no avail. Hopefully it will be preserved as one of the outstanding examples of "slapstick".

Red Skelton plays a small town movie fan with dreams of being a star. He gets his opportunity, albeit not as he would have hoped. He wanted to be a romantic leading man and instead he becomes a (unintentional) comedy sensation. Along the way he's helped by a stuntwoman who falls for him. Rare leading lady role for Virginia O'Brien, a wonderful comic actress known for singing songs in a deadpan style. No singing here, but she does get lots of Eve Arden-esque lines opposite Skelton's clueless hero. This was basically and sadly the end of her movie career. She was done with MGM and essentially the business shortly after. Gloria Grahame is great in a fun part as the vampy Hollywood star Skelton's character is in love with. This story had been filmed at least twice before, the best of which was the 1932 version with Stuart Erwin and Joan Blondell. Skelton puts his own touch on things, for better or worse. I think he was fairly dialed back here, maybe too much so. Still, I enjoyed the picture.

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.