The Half Naked Truth (1932)
Directed by Gregory La Cava

Film Review

Looking like James Stewart on speed, Lee Tracy dazzles as a fast-talking carnival barker-cum-publicity agent in this spirited Depression Era comedy, aided and abetted by vivacious beauty Lupe Vélez.  Directed by Gregory LaCava with the panache and energy that made him one of RKO's most reliable comedy directors, The Half-Naked Truth is an enjoyable romp that has lost little of its sparkle since it first saw the light of day in 1932.  It may not be as original and classy as some of LaCava's subsequent comedies, including the excellent Stage Door (1937), but it has much more in the way of anarchic fun.  The charismatic Vélez puts her singing and dancing skills to good use in the film's one great musical number, the jazzy delight that is Oh! Mr. Carpenter.

Film Synopsis

With Colonel Munday's carnival facing ruin, Jimmy Bates comes up with an idea that might just save the day.  By promising to reveal the identity of the father of carnival's dancer, Teresita, Bates stirs up public interest, but he also unwittingly attracts the police.  His scam exposed, Jimmy flees to New York with Teresita and his friend Achilles.  Here, Jimmy cons theatre producer Merle Farrell into giving Teresita a starring role in his next show, promoting her as a Turkish princess.  When Teresita becomes a star, she rejects Jimmy and embarks on an affair with Farrell, prompting Jimmy to pursue on an elaborate revenge involving a hotel maid with theatrical ambitions and a nudist colony...