Handsome riveter Hap Harrigan (Ben Lyon) falls in love with beautiful society girl Juliette Hunter (Ona Munson) in this early talkie from Clarence G. Badger.  Since this was made soon after the sound era began, The Hot Heiress, like many other films of the era, is as much a musical as comedy and drama.  In this particular case that’s a strong point, because Lyon sings three songs penned by Richard Rodgers and Lorenz Hart.

This was the first foray into moviemaking for Rodgers and Hart, which makes the film historically important.  After the first rush of musicals made for the screen, however, this film was a notorious boxoffice flop, which caused Rodgers and Hart to decline further cinematic assignments for a time.

The print broadcast by Turner Classic Movies is reputed to be six minutes shorter than the original running time, and it shows some wear in one scene.  But three Rodgers and Hart songs are showcased: “Nobody Loves a Riveter,” “You’re the Cats,” and “Like Ordinary People Do.”  In a 1930 interview with Cinema magazine, Rodgers explained his approach to the songs: Most important in songs for the screen is their relevance.  We are not making them numerous.  They are seldom reprised.  And they are all definitely connected to the story, pertinent to the actors and the action.  We ease them in the dialogue, so that before you know it, you realize that the characters are speaking lyrics and their gradual entry into the song appears very logical.”

The songs are highlights, but so is the comedy between Hap and fellow riveter Bill (Tom Dugan).  When Hap falls for Juliette, Bill predicts trouble.  “She’d make a mug out of you in ten minutes.”  “Yeah,” Hap replies dreamily, “but think of those ten minutes!”  The dialogue is fresh and funny, the construction scenes are impressive, the class difference between Hap’s world of menial labor and Juliette’s pampered existence is sharp yet not condescending, and the acting is bright.  Yes, they fall in love too easily, but that was a cinematic convention of the era.  After the inevitable fight, the manner in which Juliette captures Hap’s heart again is charming.  It’s all charming.  My rating:  ✰ ✰ ✰.  (7:1).