Considering the subject matter (which is, if not technically then essentially, male and female polygamy), the fact that Olsen & Johnson design bathing suits for a living, and the date of the movie (1931, i.e. before the Code), I was expecting "Gold Dust Gertie" to be far more risqué than it is. Sure, there is the occasional saucy line ("We have to show more of the bather and less of the suit!"), but not much more than that. Olsen & Johnson do not rank with the classic comedy teams of the era in this movie; Johnson's constant laugh, in particular, is a major irritant. Winnie Lightner is lively and animated, but the only thing you'll probably remember from this movie an hour after you've seen it will be the wild speedboat chase at the end. ** out of 4.
Review of Gold Dust Gertie
