Movie of the Week: Wife vs. Secretary (1936)

This week, Clark’s torn between Jean Harlow and Myrna Loy (poor guy) in Wife vs. Secretary.

Clark is the dashing editor-in-chief of a magazine in this one. Myrna is his delightful wife, who seems to spend her days lounging around their spacious two-story New York apartment in glamorous gowns, throwing lavish parties, assisted by a full-time cook, maid, driver and butler. No kids underfoot either. Ah, to be a rich 1930’s housewife! Jean is Clark’s loyal secretary, who says how high when he says jump. A youthful Jimmy Stewart is Jean’s neglected fiancé, who is constantly snubbed by Jean’s work commitments and is growing quite tired of it. Despite the fact that Clark showers her with affection, Myrna begins to grow suspicious of Jean and Clark’s relationship after his mother (May Robson) puts a bug in her ear about “attractive secretaries”. As is typical in these types of movies, Myrna requires no real proof to kick Clark to the curb! Sure, the plot is a bit predictable but the lavish Art Deco sets, beautiful clothes and perfect cast make this one a real treat. Some favorite scenes of mine are Clark dashing home from his poker game once Myrna has forgiven him; Clark arriving home, rushing up the stairs and sweeping a waiting Myrna into his arms, Clark hiding a sparkly new bracelet for Myrna in a piece of fish (ew)  and Clark and Jean having a hard time staying upright while playing “whip” on the ice skating rink.

This marked a new track for Jean Harlow’s career. Her hair was changed from peroxide blonde to a more muted “brownette” and although she still oozes sex appeal (the gal can’t help it), her sexuality is much more subtle. Jean and Clark were good friends and Myrna adored her as well. At this time Jean was dating Myrna’s Thin Man co-star William Powell.

You can’t beat a cast that includes Clark Gable, Myrna Loy, Jean Harlow, May Robson AND Jimmy Stewart.

While the plot is a rather silly soap opera that doesn’t really hold up today, this film is a nice piece of 1930’s escapism. The big magazine businessman living in his gorgeous Manhattan apartment complete with a sweeping staircase, his-and-her suites (don’t you love how he laments that he had to leave her bedroom after they’d–uh–been together?), full household staff, chauffeur to drive their large expensive automobiles and wife in exquisite gowns just waiting for him to come home.  Then going to his large office and getting to ogle Jean Harlow all day. Tis the life.

This film is one of my favorites. It’s just simply an enjoyable 30’s piece of candy. No substance really, but a real treat.

Old review is here

Nutshell review is here