Merton of the Movies

Directed by	Robert Alton
Screenplay by	George Wells Lou Breslow
Based on	1922 novel Merton of the Movies by Harry Leon Wilson 1922 play by George S. Kaufman and Marc Connelly
Produced by	Albert Lewis
Starring	Red Skelton Virginia O'Brien Leon Ames Gloria Grahame Alan Mowbray
Cinematography	Paul C. Vogel
Edited by	Frank E. Hull
Music by	David Snell
Production company	Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer
Distributed by	Loew's Inc.
Release date	October 11, 1947 (1947-10-11)
Running time	82 minutes
Country	United States
Language	English
Budget	$1,504,000^[1]
Box office	$1,712,000^[1]

Merton of the Movies is a 1947 American comedy film, based on the 1922 novel of the same name written by Harry Leon Wilson, and the play of the same name written by George S. Kaufmann and Marc Connelly, which opened on Broadway in 1922. It was previously adapted as a 1924 silent film and as the 1932 film Make Me a Star. The 1947 version stars Red Skelton and is directed by choreographer Robert Alton in his directorial debut.

Plot

Cast

Due to negative reception from sneak preview audiences, extensive reshoots were required before a widespread release.^[2]

According to MGM records the movie earned $1,274,000 in the US and Canada and $438,000 elsewhere, making a loss to the studio of $367,000.^[1]