Glenn Hunter as Merton Gill in Merton of the Movies (1924). Image: IMDb
The best books are ones that make you laugh out loud.
Merton of the Movies is such a book. The novel, first published in 1922, is a Rollicking Yarn of a young midwestern American who dreams of – nay, is obsessed with – becoming a Movie Star.
He is Merton Gill, reader of movie magazines, student of correspondence acting lessons, and saver of money for a train ticket to Hollywood to Claim His Destiny.
You must know this: Merton is not a good actor. He’s a Ham of the highest degree. In the Merton Gill School of Acting, there’s no such thing as Too Much.
He’s already chosen the lucky studio to capitalize on his talents, and he haunts the casting office daily. He lands a couple of roles as an extra, but prospects are few – despite his correspondence course diploma – and eventually his meager savings are whittled down to Nothing.
Merton finds himself stuck on the studio backlot. He can’t go home because he owes the landlady, and he can’t leave the lot because the guard won’t grant him access. He’s reduced to camping on the lot, sleeping on sets, scrounging for food, and mentally composing letters to his former employer.
But a curious salvation finds him when an actress and a comedic director realize his intense acting style is, well, hilarious. They cast him in satirical films, but tell him the scenarios are High Drama – Merton believes comedies are a low form of art – and he Acts with Solemnity and Purpose.
Imagine his surprise, then, when he discovers the sudden demand for his acting is actually a Set Up. He’s been made a rube, albeit one well compensated for his anguish.
Stuart Erwin (r) as Merton in Make Me a Star (1932). Image: Alamy
For all his snobbery, Merton loves movies. And so does, we suspect, the novel’s author, Harry Leon Wilson (1867-1939).
Wilson was a popular writer in his day, penning novels like Ruggles of Red Gap (adapted to the screen in 1935) and Bunker Bean, which some credit for popularizing the term “flapper”.
With Merton of the Movies, Wilson writes in an unhurried style, one eyebrow raised, savouring his unusual fictional character: a judgmental yet clumsy young man with misplaced belief in his abilities, but one with a kind heart.
Wilson regards Hollywood with a mix of disdain and fascination. He skewers the studios and satirizes their movies, but seems to admire the mechanics of filmmaking. He also captures the magic of what was once known as Going to the Movies.
He’s an amused cynic, but he’s not without compassion. When Merton discovers a beloved Hollywood heroine isn’t what she appears, Wilson refrains from mocking: Who among us hasn’t been rattled by disillusionment?
It’s worth noting Wilson doesn’t downplay the role of women in early Hollywood. Merton has the great fortune to meet “Flips” Montague, a stuntwoman/gag writer/actress. She becomes his unofficial agent while manipulating his career – and (improbably) falling in love with him.
Merton is a man of Our Time. Suffering for his Art means he has the right to become famous.
Red Skelton is Merton in Merton of the movies (1947). Image: Rotten Tomatoes
The Los Angeles Review of Books (LARB) has just published a much-needed reprint of Merton of the Movies. Included in this edition is a thoughtful foreword by comedian/actress Mitra Jouhari, who asks, “[W]hat’s the key to Hollywood stardom? Dedication or delusion? If you ask Merton Gill, the answer might be: why choose?”
In the introduction, publisher and literary critic Tom Lutz provides a historical and cultural perspective. “[F]or the moment, still early in the 1920s,” he writes, “Merton’s movie-made self was an exuberant comic corrective, a path away from a fusty past and into a future arriving fast.”
LARB’s website describes the novel as “an essential California classic,” and says, “This freewheeling romp gets to the heart of any Angeleno’s worst nightmare: what if I’m not in on the joke?”
Indeed. A man without a sense of humour becomes a famous comedic actor? The joke’s on us, the movie-going public, not on Merton Gill.
Regardless, Merton at the Movies is a terrific read, and we can’t recommend it highly enough.
Notes
- You can order a copy of Merton of the Movies HERE.
- Disclosure: LARB sent us a copy of this novel in exchange for an unbiased review.
- Merton of the Movies was adapted to the stage by George S. Kaufman and Marc Connelly in 1922. It was adapted for the screen film three times: 1924, 1932, and 1947.
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Silver Screenings 
Ruth,any specific reason you select old movies for reviewing…
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Hi Deeksha, I really like older movies, and have ever since I was a kid. Besides, there are many fab blogs that review modern films.
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Hi Ruth, old movies have their own charm and charisma.In India movies have become better in the last decade. People want to watch new concepts and accepting them very well.It is kind of revolution. But still I love my simple black and white cinema. Not a strong story based movies, generally romance based pictures,but still I love to watch them with soul soothing music and songs ..
Around last week probably I too came across to a wonderful blog where modern movies are reviewed. From there I got to know about new Harrison Ford movie .
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I love black and white cinema, too, so I know what you mean. Do you have a favourite vintage Indian movie you would recommend?
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Kamal Amrohi directed 1949 blockbuster movie ‘Mahal’ is one of the classic hindi movie which has kind of mystery element.
Raja Kapoor’s directed Awara and Shree 420 were based on socialism movies.
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Thanks! I’m going to see if I can find any of these with Engliah subtitles.
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You might be able to get Rajkapoor’s movies with subtitles.His movie Awara was extremely popular in Russia!
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Sounds like I better add that to my reading list, especially if Red Skelton had anything to do with the movie version! 🙂
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I haven’t yet seen the Red Skelton version – only the 1932 film – but the Skelton version probably provides lots of laughs. Plus, it stars Gloria Grahame, who’s always fab.
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Did you ever see Hearts Of The West? Jeff Bridges and Andy Griffith are in it. I love this movie. Its plot is similar to the book you review.
Hi Ruth. Bye till next time!
Neil
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I’ve not heard of this movie, but I’m going to check it out. Jeff Bridges and Andy Griffith? Count me in! Thanks!
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Grand review and I’m so happy to hear about the reprint. Coincidentally, I’ve been thinking about the two sound movies lately. Now I’m wondering if they will reprint Ruggles.
The Broadway play of “Merton” ran for almost 400 performances. Audiences really do love their movies and an affectionate spoof is the only way to go.
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True! I’m now reading a bio of George S. Kaufman who, as you know, co-wrote “Merton of the Movies” for Broadway.
I’ve not read “Ruggles”, but it’s now on my Must Read list.
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Fascinating. I’m really happy I came across this. Thank you.
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Thanks for dropping by! 🙂
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Dedication or delusion? I think for a lot of actors it’s definitely both!
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Haha! You’re probably right.
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He sounds like quite the character! Thanks for the great review.
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I’m familiar with the book, but much more so with the Red Skelton movie. So, thanks for the insight!
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I have yet to see the Red Skelton version – looking forward to seeing Gloria Grahame in that role.
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Oh it’s a real treasure to find such a book.
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You know it!
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Wow! This seems to be so informative 🙂
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Thanks for dropping by. I’ll be visiting your site soon. 🙂
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I enjoyed Ruggles of Red Gap so might check out Merton of the Movies which sounds like a funny read. Thanks for the recommendation:)
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I loved this book. I’ve read it twice now, and I enjoyed it even more the second time around.
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This sounds like the kind of book that I’d like to read. Keeping the link to order it. Plan on getting it after Christmas.
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I hope you get the chance to read it. I had a hard time putting it down.
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I’ve never read the book, but now I must! Thanks for the rec.
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I hope you’re able to read it. I think you, in particular, should read this book.
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I mean, I honestly don’t know why I’ve never read it. I hope to rectify that soon. Thanks for bringing this lapse of judgment to my attention!
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