Wife vs. Secretary (1936)

The wife of a publishing executive mistakenly believes that her husband's relationship with his attractive secretary is more than professional.

Director:

Clarence Brown

Writers:

Norman Krasna (screen play), John Lee Mahin (screen play),

Stars:

Clark Gable, Jean Harlow, Myrna Loy

Cast

Complete credited cast:
Clark Gable	...	Van
Jean Harlow	...	Whitey
Myrna Loy	...	Linda
May Robson	...	Mimi
George Barbier	...	Underwood
James Stewart	...	Dave
Hobart Cavanaugh	...	Joe
Tom Dugan	...	Finney
Gilbert Emery	...	Simpson
Marjorie Gateson	...	Eve Merritt
Gloria Holden	...	Joan Carstairs

Storyline

Magazine publisher Van Stanhope is a hard-working, dynamic executive very happily married to his beautiful wife Linda. Although their relationship is is built on unconditional trust, friends caution her about the dangers of allowing Whitey, her husband's extremely sexy secretary, to continue to have access to him. Even Van's mother warns Linda that Van's father philandered during their marriage, and Van, like all men, will eventually succumb to opportunity and temptation. Although Whitey has a faithful boyfriend, she secretly harbors unrequited feelings for her boss. When they take business trip to Havana, circumstantial evidence convinces Linda that the rumors she's heard may have a basis in fact.

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Plot Keywords:

secretary | magazine | publisher | business trip | marriage | 

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Genres:

Comedy | Drama | Romance

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Certificate:

Approved

Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

28 February 1936 (USA)

Also Known As:

Seine Sekretärin

Filming Locations:

Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Studios - 10202 W. Washington Blvd., Culver City, California, USA

Company Credits

Production Co:

Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer (MGM)

Technical Specs

Runtime:

88 min

Sound Mix:

Mono (Western Electric Sound System)

Color:

Black and White

Aspect Ratio:

1.37 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

The sets of Van's office were also used in the anti-crime short The Public Pays.

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Goofs

When Simpson is first given the morning newspaper, it is folded in half. When he exits his room, the paper is double-folded.

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Quotes

Mimi: My dear, men are like that. So honorable and wise in some things and just like naughty children in others. You wouldn't blame a little boy for stealing a piece of candy if left alone with a whole boxful, will you?

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Connections

Featured in Great Performances: James Stewart: A Wonderful Life (1987)

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Soundtracks

"Pack Up Your Troubles in Your Old Kit Bag and Smile, Smile, Smile!"
(1915) (uncredited)
Music by Felix Powell
Lyrics by George Asaf
Sung a cappella by Clark Gable

User Reviews

A Delightful Comedic Romp

Myrna Loy vs. Jean Harlow, and when the man in question is Clark Gable in his prime, I'd fight over him too. A typical situation comedy with the usual misunderstandings, plot contrivances, and double entendres, is made delightful from the magnificent cast from top to bottom. Fast-paced and frantic, this is one to lie back, prop your feet up, and enjoy.