Hard to Get (1929 film)

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Hard to Get
Hard to Get lobby card.jpg
Lobby card
Directed by William Beaudine
Screenplay byScreenplay & titles:
James Gruen
Richard Weil
Based on"Classified" (1927 story) from Mother Knows Best by Edna Ferber
Produced byRay Rockett
Starring Dorothy Mackaill
Charles Delaney
James Finlayson
Louise Fazenda
Cinematography John F. Seitz
Edited by Stuart Heisler
Music by Alois Reiser
Production
company
Distributed by Warner Bros.
Release date
  • August 4, 1929 (1929-08-04) [1]
Running time
80 minutes
CountryUnited States
Language English

Hard to Get is a 1929 American all-talking sound pre-Code comedy film directed by William Beaudine and starring Dorothy Mackaill, Charles Delaney and James Finlayson.

Contents

Plot

Bobby Martin (Dorothy Mackaill), a spirited and stylish young woman, works as a mannequin in a fashionable New York modiste shop. Though she lives modestly with her close-knit family—her father (James Finlayson), mother (Louise Fazenda), and brother Marty (Jack Oakie)—Bobby keeps up appearances with chic clothing bought on the installment plan.

Each morning, while waiting on the corner for a ride downtown, Bobby often receives offers of lifts from well-dressed strangers—“philanthropic gentlemen” passing by in their cars. Seeing no harm in accepting, she occasionally accepts the rides. It’s through this chance that she meets Dexter Courtland (Edmund Burns), a wealthy bachelor with a reputation for chasing women, and Jerry Dillon (Charles Delaney), a cheerful, good-natured fellow with a modest car and a lot of charm.

Though Dexter invites her to a fancy lunch, Bobby is far more interested in the down-to-earth Jerry. However, to have a little fun and test Dexter’s intentions, she pretends to be a wealthy society girl, even giving Dexter's own mother's address as her own. Courtland soon realizes she’s putting on airs, but rather than exposing her, he’s charmed by her beauty and boldness, and continues to pursue her.

One evening, Jerry is brought home by Bobby’s brother Marty and meets the whole Martin family, deepening his connection with Bobby. He later invites her out for a spin in his dilapidated “flivver.”

The next night, Jerry’s car breaks down before their date. Dexter arrives first and offers Bobby a ride. She reluctantly accepts and convinces him to take her to Jerry’s favorite hangout, hoping to cross paths. Meanwhile, Jerry—disappointed but undeterred—shows up with another girl, only to awkwardly run into Bobby and Dexter at the same spot.

Bobby and Jerry quarrel, each wounded by jealousy and misunderstanding. Jerry quickly drops his date, but Bobby, disillusioned by Dexter’s persistent advances, decides to walk home alone.

Before long, the misunderstanding is cleared up, and Bobby realizes her heart has always belonged to Jerry. She sheds her glamorous persona and gives up the fine clothes and illusions of high society. Choosing love over pretense, Bobby becomes the devoted wife of straight-shooting, honest Jerry, ready to build a life based on mutual respect and sincerity.

Cast

Dorothy Mackaill and Edmund Burns in Hard to Get Hard to Get (SAYRE 14263).jpg
Dorothy Mackaill and Edmund Burns in Hard to Get

Music

The film featured a theme song entitled "Things We Want Most Are Hard To Get" which was composed by Al Bryan, John McLaughlin and George W. Meyer.

See also

References

  1. Marshall, Wendy L. William Beaudine: From Silents to Television. Scarecrow Press, 2005. p. 311. ISBN   0810852187