Love on a Bet

Love on a Bet is a 1936 American romantic comedy film directed by Leigh Jason using a screenplay by P. J. Wolfson and Philip G. Epstein, based on a story by Kenneth Earl. The film stars Gene Raymond, Wendy Barrie, and Helen Broderick, and was released by RKO Radio Pictures on February 1, 1936.

Plot

To finance a new play, Michael McCreigh needs $15,000. He proposes an outrageous wager with his rich Uncle Carlton, that without clothes or money, Michael can make it from New York City to Los Angeles in 10 days, and arrive there in a new suit with $100. If not, he will quit the theater and go into his uncle's meatpacking business.

Dropped off from a limousine in only his undergarments, Michael dashes into a diner. There he encounters Paula Gilbert and her beau Jackson Wallace, promptly stealing her coat and his tux. While hitchhiking, by coincidence, Paula and her Aunt Charlotte come along.

To the consternation of her aunt, who prefers Jackson's prospects, Paula begins to fall for Michael. His various schemes earn him money on the way west, but after two escaped convicts rob them, Paula becomes aware of Michael's bet and is disappointed in him. He manages to get to L.A. just in time, with reward money for capturing the fugitives, and Paula forgives him. Then she demands that he go into his uncle's meatpacking trade after all.

Cast

• Gene Raymond as Michael
• Wendy Barrie as Paula
• Helen Broderick as Aunt Charlotte
• Addison Randall as Jackson
• William Collier, Sr. as Uncle Carlton

References