That Certain Thing (1928)

Molly Kelly wants to marry a millionaire. When she runs into Andy Charles, heir to a restaurant fortune, she jumps at the chance and marries him. Andy's father if furious and disinherits ... See full summary »

Director:

Frank Capra

Writers:

Al Boasberg (titles), Frank Capra,

Stars:

Viola Dana, Ralph Graves, Burr McIntosh

Cast

Cast overview:
Viola Dana	...	Molly Kelly
Ralph Graves	...	Andy B. Charles, Jr.
Burr McIntosh	...	A.B. Charles, Sr.
Aggie Herring	...	Maggie Kelly
Carl Gerard	...	Secretary Brooks
Syd Crossley	...	Valet

Storyline

Molly Kelly wants to marry a millionaire. When she runs into Andy Charles, heir to a restaurant fortune, she jumps at the chance and marries him. Andy's father if furious and disinherits them. Andy tries his hand at ditch digging to support his wife, but that doesn't work out.

---

Plot Keywords:

restaurateur | disinheritance

---

Genres:

Comedy | Drama

---

Details

Country:

USA

Release Date:

1 January 1928 (USA)

Also Known As:

Cómo se corta el jamón

Company Credits

Production Co:

Columbia Pictures Corporation

Technical Specs

Runtime:

69 min

Sound Mix:

Silent

Color:

Black and White

Did You Know?

Trivia

This was the first in a long string of films director Frank Capra made for Columbia Pictures.

---

Connections

Featured in The Lady with the Torch (1999)

User Reviews

Viola Dana's Romantic Comedy

That Certain Thing is the story of a gold digger (Viola Dana) from a tenement house. Her mother uses her to take care of her two brothers, but they are a loving family. Although Dana's character has the opportunity to marry a streetcar conductor, she refuses and holds out for a millionaire. Everyone makes fun of her for her fantasy, but are surprised when one day she really does meet a millionaire, son of the owner of the popular ABC restaurant chain. The two marry hastily, but the girl's dreams of wealth are shattered when the rich father disowns his son for marrying a gold digger. However, she truly loves her new husband and the two are unexpectedly successful at making it on their own.

A rare glimpse of movie star Viola Dana, this film is a lot of fun. Dana's role is accessible, natural, and entertaining. She displays a knack for comedy as well as an ability to do drama.

The mechanics of the film are a lot of fun too. The camera displays sophisticated late silent techniques like mobility. The title cards are also incredibly clever.

If you like films like My Best Girl, It, or The Patsy, you will enjoy this film.