His Butler's Sister (1943)

A young girl visits New York for two reasons: to see her half-brother, and to try to start a musical career.

Director:

Frank Borzage

Writers:

Samuel Hoffenstein (original screenplay), Elizabeth Reinhardt (original screenplay)

Stars:

Deanna Durbin, Franchot Tone, Pat O'Brien

Nominated for 1 Oscar.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Deanna Durbin	...	Ann Carter
Franchot Tone	...	Charles Gerard
Pat O'Brien	...	Martin Murphy
Akim Tamiroff	...	Popoff
Alan Mowbray	...	Buzz Jenkins
Walter Catlett	...	Mortimer Kalb
Elsa Janssen	...	Severina
Evelyn Ankers	...	Elizabeth Campbell
Frank Jenks	...	Emmett
Sig Arno	...	Moreno
Hans Conried	...	Reeves
Florence Bates	...	Lady Sloughberry
Roscoe Karns	...	Fields
Russell Hicks	...	Sanderson
Andrew Tombes	...	Brophy

Storyline

A young girl visits New York for two reasons: to see her half-brother, and to try to start a musical career.

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Plot Keywords:

half brother | career | singer | overprotective brother | cook | 

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Genres:

Comedy | Romance

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Certificate:

Approved

Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

26 November 1943 (USA)

Also Known As:

La soeur de son valet

Filming Locations:

Universal Studios - 100 Universal City Plaza, Universal City, California, USA

Company Credits

Production Co:

Universal Pictures

Technical Specs

Runtime:

87 min

Sound Mix:

Mono (Western Electric Recording)

Color:

Black and White

Aspect Ratio:

1.37 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

"Lux Radio Theater" broadcast a 60 minute radio adaptation of the movie on February 7, 1944 with Deanna Durbin and Pat O'Brien reprising their film roles.

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Soundtracks

"When You're Away"
(uncredited)
Lyrics by Henry Martyn Blossom
Music by Victor Herbert

User Reviews

Excellent Example of Script by Committee

Frank Borzage was one of the great directors and has left behind a solid body of artistic work. Deanna Durbin had an amazing screen presence that commands a following even 40 years after her retirement. Yet, this movie is totally dreadful. Why? Because the script is a prime example of too many people meddling in it: put in some broad comedy here, a little love-interest over there. Honestly, I've worked in movies for a quarter-century and I couldn't tell what the characters were about since they kept flip-flopping their motives and attitudes every few frames. It's as if the producers were acting out their ambivalence with Durbin's rapidly-approaching adulthood: let's make her sweet and innocent but show off her great legs; let's make her a love interest but downplay that angle, etc. Believe me, this one can give you a headache.