Olive as Gracie
In 1929 Olive starred in the melodrama Dance Hall. This was one of her first talking films. Like many silent stars she was having a hard time making the transition to sound. She was under contract at RKO when she was cast in Dance Hall. Her cousin Natalie Joyce had a small part in the movie. This was the only time Olive and Natalie worked together. Dance Hall was directed by Melville W. Brown. He convinced Olive to dye her hair blonde because most dance hall girls were blondes and he wanted her to look the part. The movie was released on December 14, 1929. It got good reviews and was a modest hit. Shortly after making Dance Hall Olive was dropped by RKO. She would only appear in a few more major films. It was rumored that Olive had an affair with her married costar Ralph Emerson. During his divorce Ralph's wife said he and Olive were "friendly".
With Natalie Joyce
CAST:
Olive Borden ... Gracie Nolan
Arthur Lake ... Tommy Flynn
Ralph Emerson ... Ted Smith
Helen Kaiser ... Bree
Margaret Seddon ... Mrs. Flynn, Tommy's mother
Joseph Cawthorn ... Bremmer, owner of the dance hall
Lee Moran ... Ernie
Tom O'Brien ... Truckdriver
Natalie Joyce ... Gracie's friend
PLOT:
Gracie Nolan is a beautiful flapper who works at a dance hall. Her favorite customer is a shy shipping clerk named Tommy Flynn. He is hopelessly in love with Gracie and wants to marry her. One evening Tommy brings his mother to the dance hall so he can propose to Gracie. Tommy is devastated when he realizes she is not interested in him. Gracie has fallen madly in love with Ted Smith, a dashing pilot. When Ted's plane is reported missing Gracie has a nervous breakdown. Gracie moves in with Tommy and his mother while she recovers. Tommy is forced to take a second job so he can take care of her. Gracie is thrilled when she finds out Ted has returned safely but her happiness is short-lived. Ted has gone back to his old girlfriend Bree and does not want to see Gracie. She goes to the dance hall to confront Ted about their relationship. A fight breaks out and Tommy is injured trying to defend Gracie. She finally realizes that Tommy is the man she should be with.
With Arthur Lake
