Cast
Will Rogers
as Lightnin' Bill Jones
Louise Dresser
as Mrs. Mary Jones
Joel McCrea
as John Marvin
Helen Cohan
as Milly Jones
Jason Robards Sr.
as Raymond Thomas
Sharon Lynn
as Mrs. Lower - the Chiseler
Joyce Compton
as Betty - Larry's Wife
Rex Bell
as Larry - Betty's Husband
Charlotte Walker
as Mrs. Thatcher
Luke Cosgrave
Movie Info & Details
Release Year1930
Runtime1h 36m
LanguageEnglish
CertificationNR
GenresComedy
Votes4
DirectorHenry King
WritersS. N. Behrman, Sonya Levien
TypeFeature Film
Rating5.3 out of 10
Cast10 credited
Also Known AsLightnin'
About Lightnin'
Lightnin' and Mary Jones are co-owners of a hotel built right on a state border, used by divorcing wives so they can pretend to be in California while establishing residency in Nevada. When Lightnin' refuses to sell his share of the hotel to a gang of crooks, Mary is coerced into divorcing her husband so that she can sign over the deed herself.
Directed by Henry King, Lightnin' leans on a strong ensemble — Will Rogers, Louise Dresser, Joel McCrea — to carry a story that balances spectacle with character.
The film landed with audiences for its craft and performances, and remains one of the most talked-about comedy titles of 1930.
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