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 landed 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 nine more films during her career.
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.
Here is a newspaper review -
Opening auspiciously before capacity audiences at the Orpheum theatre, "Dance Hall," Radio Pictures' all-talking musical drama, is a film to please every taste. The picture has been produced with sincerity and intelligence, adapted from the story by Vina Delmar published in Liberty magazine. "Dance Hall" is a realistic and believable taste of the love of a youth for a little dance hall hostess, and the complications which serve to nearly wreck the romance. "Dance Hall" boasts one of the most competent all-around casts ever assembled for a talking picture. Olive Borden, more bewitching than ever before in her newly blonde tresses, and Arthur Lake, one of the most able young players, are ideally suited to their leading roles. Particularly effective is the dancing of the two. They are called upon to interpret two new dances, the "Dumb Drag" and the "Blue Bottom" both of which give indications of becoming popular new steps with the younger set. Joseph Cawthorn, grand old character comedian from the musical comedy stage, is superb in his role as the proprietor of the dance hall. Cawthorn rapidly is becoming one of the most popular featured players in pictures today. Invaluable support also is given to the leads by Ralph Emerson, Helen Kaiser, Lee Moran, and Margaret Seddon. Melville Brown, the director, has handled the story and cast with finesse that marks him one of Hollywood's most capable directors. He has not missed a single opportunity in making "Dance Hall" a production with appeal for everyone.
Here is a review from Movie Life magazine -
This picture is primarily interesting because it features one of the most colorful and little considered details of the American scene - the dance hall. Strewn from one end of the country to the other, these giant tawdry pavilions again and again form the settings for just such small and poignant romances as that which Vina Delmar has spun about Tommy Flynn and Gracie Nolan. Screen juveniles apparently support the idea that the way to play a post-adolescent is to wear a cap, grin, and to alternate shoulders in a plunging gait that is like nothing on heaven or earth. Arthur Lake as Tommy, the pride of the dance hall, is no exception. But his sincerity is bigger than his faults; so holding Olive Borden's hand, we'll ask him to step up and bow to the sweetly murmuring populace. Not withstanding the stereotyped portrayals the folkses should respond to this neat little number.
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