Likable elevator operator Frank Fay (as Spencer Brown) falls for pretty co-worker Ruth Hall (as Norma Baker), but doesn't know she's falling in love with his young inventor pal, George Meeker (as Harry Bayliss). To help win Ms. Hall's heart, Mr. Fay uses his popularity with hotel residents to back the re-election campaign of Hall's uncle, Benton Churchill (as Martin Sloan). If the incumbent mayor loses, dastardly George Diamond (as George Diamond) plans to tear down Fay's hotel for a railroad...
Re-titled "Meet the Mayor" for late 1930s reissue and later TV showing, "A Fool's Advise" finds once famous Fay's star dimmed. The popular vaudeville entertainer was reportedly the male model for "A Star Is Born" (1937) - if so, he wasn't the first or last man to look the part. In real life, Fay was destined to become "Mr. Barbara Stanwyck" - but, herein, he is still a surprisingly affable, effective leading man. In hindsight, the first signs of a downslide are here, but his assets are also prominently displayed.
**** A Fool's Advice (2/20/32) Ralph Ceder ~ Frank Fay, Ruth Hall, George Meeker, Benton Churchill
Re-titled "Meet the Mayor" for late 1930s reissue and later TV showing, "A Fool's Advise" finds once famous Fay's star dimmed. The popular vaudeville entertainer was reportedly the male model for "A Star Is Born" (1937) - if so, he wasn't the first or last man to look the part. In real life, Fay was destined to become "Mr. Barbara Stanwyck" - but, herein, he is still a surprisingly affable, effective leading man. In hindsight, the first signs of a downslide are here, but his assets are also prominently displayed.
**** A Fool's Advice (2/20/32) Ralph Ceder ~ Frank Fay, Ruth Hall, George Meeker, Benton Churchill