The Half-Naked Truth (1932): Cast & Plot
The Half-Naked Truth is a 1932 romantic comedy directed by Gregory La Cava, starring Lee Tracy as Jimmy Bates, Robert McKenzie and Lupe Vélez. It runs 1 hour 17 minutes.
- Released
- Runtime
- 1h 17m (77 min)
- Director
- Gregory La Cava
- Original language
-
English - Studio
- RKO Radio Pictures
- After the credits
- No No extra scene
What Is The Half-Naked Truth About?
The premise of The Half-Naked Truth without spoilers. The whole story is in the plot summary further down.
Tracy, a carnival pitchman, hustles his fiery dancer girlfriend (Vélez) into a high‑profile Broadway revue organized by impresario Morgan, while she seethes with revenge, gun in hand, ready to confront the town’s prominent man who once wronged her.
The Half-Naked Truth Themes & Keywords
· 19 tags- screwball comedy
- sideshow
- carnival
- theatrical producer
- show business
- publicity stunt
- broadway manhattan new york city
- female sexual predator
- taming of the shrew
- dancer
- man
- romantic comedy
+7 more Show fewer
- reference to william shakespeare
- male female relationship
- reference to shakespeare's hamlet
- jealousy
- impersonation
- press agent
- bare chested male
The Half-Naked Truth Cast & Characters
Lee Tracy leads the cast as Jimmy Bates, with Robert McKenzie as Colonel Munday and Lupe Vélez as Teresita. Directed by Gregory La Cava; 12 actors are credited in all.
- Director Gregory La Cava
- Lee Tracy as Jimmy Bates
- Robert McKenzie as Colonel Munday
- Lupe Vélez as Teresita
- Eugene Pallette as Achilles
Also Starring in The Half-Naked Truth
· 8 more- Frank Morgan Merle Farrell
- Mary Mason Farrell's Secretary
- Shirley Chambers Gladys
- Bess Flowers Miss Flowers - Bates' Secretary (uncredited)
- William H. O'Brien Hotel Waiter (uncredited)
- Franklin Pangborn Hotel Clerk
- Theresa Harris Emily (uncredited)
- Skippy Dog in Butcher Shop (uncredited)
The Half-Naked Truth Plot Summary
What happens in The Half-Naked Truth from start to finish, spoilers included, with a timeline of 12 key events. The opening is below; the full summary is a 2-minute read.
Spoilers ahead
Fast-talking Jimmy Bates Lee Tracy takes responsibility for publicity for a struggling carnival owned by Colonel Munday. His latest scheme to attract customers involves promising to reveal the identity of the father of his hot-tempered girlfriend, hootch dancer Teresita Lupe Vélez. However, when the local sheriff learns that it is all a con, Bates and his friends Achilles Eugene Pallette and Teresita flee to New York City.
Full summary
The whole story of The Half-Naked Truth, scene by scene
How Well Do You Know The Half-Naked Truth?
10 questions about the story, each with a hint if you get stuck. Pick an answer to see whether you were right.
Question 1 of 10
- Question 1: not answered
- Question 2: not answered
- Question 3: not answered
- Question 4: not answered
- Question 5: not answered
- Question 6: not answered
- Question 7: not answered
- Question 8: not answered
- Question 9: not answered
- Question 10: not answered
Which actor portrays the fast‑talking Jimmy Bates?
The Half-Naked Truth Also Known As
4 alternative titles, including “La verità seminuda” and “半裸的谎言”.
- Also known as
-
- La verità seminuda
- 半裸的谎言
- La verdad a medias
- Veritat a mitges
Seen The Half-Naked Truth?
Movies Like The Half-Naked Truth
Films with a similar story, tone or audience, including The Naked Truth, Romantic Comedy and The Naked Truth.
The Half-Naked Truth FAQ: Cast, Runtime & Release Date
Runtime, release date, director, cast and post-credit scenes of The Half-Naked Truth, each answered in a sentence.
How long is The Half-Naked Truth?
The Half-Naked Truth runs 1 hour 17 minutes (77 minutes).
When was The Half-Naked Truth released?
The Half-Naked Truth was released on December 16, 1932.
Who directed The Half-Naked Truth?
The Half-Naked Truth was directed by Gregory La Cava.
More films by Gregory La Cava Who is in the cast of The Half-Naked Truth?
The Half-Naked Truth stars Lee Tracy as Jimmy Bates, Robert McKenzie as Colonel Munday and Lupe Vélez as Teresita, among 12 credited actors.
Does The Half-Naked Truth have a post-credit scene?
No. The Half-Naked Truth has no extra scene during or after the credits.
Coming soon to your phone
The Plot Explained Movie Summary App
From blockbusters to hidden gems: plot summaries, endings explained and timelines on your phone. Save your favorites and never miss a twist again.
Be the first to know when it launches. Your email stays private, always. Learn more about the app
