The Matinee Idol plot
"Here's a real comedy of the theater, which takes you behind the scenes of a thrilling melodrama and shows you how they acted in the old ten-twenty-thirties. You'll learn how to make love and say nice things to your sweetheart."
Renowned matinee actor Don Wilson (Johnnie Walker) flees the city to escape his yearning fans. He takes another name and joins a touring artist group. He falls in love with Ginger Bolivar (Bessie Love), the group's leader, and plays a part in their Civil War melodrama. Don's producer sees the play and thinks it's just a funny piece for Don to use in his Broadway show. When Ginger discovers who Don really is, she understands that she has been fooled.