Directed by Leo Birinsky, Flirtation is a little-known pre-Code romantic melodrama that blends urban adventure, mistaken identities, and a touch of musical charm. Released in November 1934, just after the enforcement of the Production Code, the film still retains some of the risqué flavor typical of early ’30s cinema—though toned down compared to its more provocative predecessors.
Plot Summary
The story follows a naive country boy who arrives in the big city with his dog, hoping for excitement and opportunity. He soon falls for a burlesque dancer, and the two must pretend to be married to navigate a series of social and legal complications. Their journey is filled with quirky encounters, musical interludes, and romantic tension as they try to find genuine connection in a world of pretense.
Cast Highlights
- Jeanette Loff as the burlesque dancer
- Ben Alexander as the country boy
- Arthur Tracy (known as “The Street Singer”) adds musical flair
- Emma Dunn in a supporting role
Behind-the-Scenes Notes
- The film was released just after the Hays Code began strict enforcement, so while it flirts with risqué themes, it avoids overt sexuality
- Arthur Tracy’s musical numbers were a draw for audiences familiar with his radio performances
- The film is described as a “rambling tale” with a mix of sentimentality and city escapades, though it didn’t make a major splash critically or commercially
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