A Fool's Advice

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YOUR RATING

An elevator operator invents a machine that he believes can help to defeat a corrupt politician in the city's upcoming mayoral election.An elevator operator invents a machine that he believes can help to defeat a corrupt politician in the city's upcoming mayoral election.An elevator operator invents a machine that he believes can help to defeat a corrupt politician in the city's upcoming mayoral election.

See production info at IMDbPro

IMDb RATING

5.3/10

117

YOUR RATING

See production info at IMDbPro

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Frank Fay

Spencer Brown

Ruth Hall

Norma Baker

Nat Pendleton

Kelly - Naughty Boy

Berton Churchill

Mayor Martin Sloan
(as Burton Churchill)

Hale Hamilton

George Diamond

George Meeker

Harry Bayliss

Edward J. Nugent

Steve
(as Eddie Nugent)

Franklin Pangborn

Egbert - Hotel Clerk
(as Franklyn Pangborn)

Esther Howard

Mrs. Prescott

Nick Copeland

Copeland

Eddie Borden

Catlett

Mike Donlin

Mr. Wimple

Al Hill

Kelly's Henchman

Sydney Jarvis

Obediah

Buster Phelps

Buster the Kid

Georgia Caine

Dinner Guest
(uncredited)

Mary Gordon

Woman at Rally
(uncredited)

Gus Leonard

Old Timer with Lunch Pail
(uncredited)

Director
- Ralph Ceder
Writers
All cast & crew
Production, box office & more at IMDbPro

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Featured review

4/10

Up and Down with Frank Fay

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