Essentially a trifle, “The Gay Deception” is one of William Wyler’s least known and least distinguished films, a Cinderella romantic comedy, featuring Francis Lederer as a prince of mythical European kingdom, who poses as a doorman to court a small-town secretary, played by Frances Dee.
As usual, the secondary cast is reliable, including Benita Hume, Alan Mowbray, and Akim Tamiroff.
“The Gay Deception” was one of the last Fox works to be released before the studios merger with Twentieth Century Pictures.
Oscar Alert
Oscar Nominations: 1
Original Story: Don Hartman and Stephen Avery
Oscar Awards: None
Oscar Context
The Original Story Oscar went to Ben Hecht and Charles MacArthur for “The Scoundrel.”
Don Hartman received one more nomination, as co-writer (with Frank Butler) of the popular “The Road to Morocco,” starring Bob Hope, Bing Crosby and Dorothy Lamour.
Credits:
Fox (Jesse L. Lasky)