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Plot
Merton Gill, a humble theatre usher hailing from the quaint town of Tinkerton, Kansas, harbors an unquenchable passion for the silver screen. His dreams are as grand as the silent movie epics he adores; he yearns to trade his humble existence for the glitz and glamour of Hollywood. Armed with nothing but sheer determination and a questionable diploma from the Budolph School of Dramatic Acting, Merton's chance at stardom arrives in the most unexpected manner when he thwarts a robbery, emulating the heroics of his idol, the fading film star Lawrence Rupert.
Swept up in the whirlwind of Hollywood's opportunism, Rupert's team seizes upon Merton's act of bravery and brings him to the heart of the film industry, aiming to stoke the dying embers of Rupert's fame. Merton, however, is under the impression that his big break has finally arrived. Following a quick publicity stint, Merton is discarded, handed a ticket back to obscurity.
Undeterred by this setback, Merton clings to his dreams and navigates the labyrinth of Hollywood, where he crosses paths with Phyllis Montague, the courageous stunt double for the renowned Beulah Baxter. As Merton persists in his quest for a role at Mammoth Studios, he discovers an unexpected talent. His earnest attempts at drama morph into unintentional comedy, leading to his hiring as a burlesque performer mocking his once idol, Lawrence Rupert. Unaware of the ironic twist in his acting career, Merton believes he is finally playing the serious role he always dreamed of.
Where to watch Merton of the Movies?
Merton of the Movies is a comedy movie featuring Red Skelton and directed by Robert Alton.
Merton of the Movies is currently streaming on TCM.