The Hard Way (1943)

Embittered, ambitious Helen Sherman sees an opportunity to escape her drab small-town life by becoming a 'stage mother' to her musically-talented younger sister.

Director:

Vincent Sherman

Writers:

Daniel Fuchs (screenplay), Peter Viertel (screenplay),

Stars:

Ida Lupino, Dennis Morgan, Joan Leslie

2 wins.

Cast

Complete credited cast:
Ida Lupino	...	Mrs. Helen Chernen
Dennis Morgan	...	Paul Collins
Joan Leslie	...	Katherine 'Katie' Blaine
Jack Carson	...	Albert Runkel
Gladys George	...	Lily Emery
Faye Emerson	...	Ice Cream Parlor Waitress
Paul Cavanagh	...	John 'Jack' Shagrue

Storyline

Ambitious Helen Chernin (Ida Lupino) pushes her talented younger sister Katherine (Joan Leslie) into marriage with broken down song-and-dance man Albert Runkel (Jack Carson) so that the two women can leave the dirty steel town where they live. Runkel's partner Paul Collins (Dennis Morgan), however, sees through Helen's plan. Helen continues driving her sister's career and eventually Katherine becomes a star on Broadway, while Runkel and Collins' act flounders. Success soon goes to Katherine's head and she becomes a fast-living party girl. Time passes and Helen and Katherine run into Paul, now a successful band leader. He and Katherine soon fall in love. The two sisters eventually have a showdown on opening night of Katherine's latest show when Katherine discovers that Helen is also in love with Paul.

---

Plot Keywords:

small town | party | marriage | stage mother | song and dance | 

---

Taglines:

There are two sides to every story -- and every woman!

---

Genres:

Drama | Musical | Romance

---

Certificate:

Approved

Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

20 February 1943 (USA)

Also Known As:

A nehéz út

Filming Locations:

Warner Bros. Museum, Warner Brothers Burbank Studios - 4000 Warner Boulevard, Burbank, California, USA

Company Credits

Production Co:

Warner Bros

Technical Specs

Runtime:

109 min

Sound Mix:

Mono (RCA Sound System)

Color:

Black and White

Aspect Ratio:

1.37 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

Per director Vincent Sherman, the film was actually based on dancer-actress Ginger Rogers' relationship with her quintessential stage-mother, Lelee.

---

Goofs

Near the end of the film Dennis Morgan takes a seat to see Joan Leslie's play. He is seated next to a young woman. The next time the camera cuts to him he is in the same seat, but sitting next to an older woman wearing completely different clothing.

---

Quotes

Laura Britton: [With unintentioned irony to Helen and Katie] You know, you're the only two sisters I've met who never quarrel. It's a beautiful thing!

---

Connections

Referenced in American Me (1992)

---

Soundtracks

"I'll String Along with You"
(1934) (uncredited)
Music by Harry Warren
Lyrics by Al Dubin
Sung by Dennis Morgan and Jack Carson at a vaudeville show and danced by Joan Leslie

User Reviews

Great film; surprising acting from Jack Carson

This was a terrific film. I was riveted as I watched the story unfold. Ida Lupino, fast becoming one of my favorites, was absolutely magnificent as the stage sister, a "Svengali" using her sibling to propel both of them out of poverty. No wonder I don't go to the movies much -- I'd rather stay home and watch performances such as Miss Lupino's!

I was a bit confused by the blossoming relationship between Leslie's and Morgan's characters (though they both gave noteworthy performances). It could have been built up more, since I thought I missed something when the relationship evolved to its resolution. A small flaw.

But the best part of the film was an unusually strong and moving performance from Jack Carson. He is known more for his comic relief (I hate comic relief!) roles in such films as "Mildred Pierce." Heres, Mr. Carson presented a three-dimensional character that you could not help but feel bad for. A pleasant surprise which only added to a must-see film.