A theatrical costume company is centerstage for this pre-Code look at the business of Broadway. Doris Roberts (Winnie Lightner) is the super-efficient operations manager for the Roberts Costume Company, a firm she co-founded with her husband, John (Walter Miller). Doris has all the plates properly spinning in the air, whether it’s juggling the fussiness of finicky costume designer Paisley (Bobby Watson), the eccentricities of head researcher Herbert T. Herbert (Charles Butterworth), or the demands of addled Broadway producers Lou and Jake Delman (vaudeville comedy duo Smith & Dale), Doris is the woman for the job. When John preys on Doris’ maternal guilt, she steps down from the job to be full-time mother to their son, Junior (Dickie Moore). But while Doris plays stay-at-home mom, John skips town for the continent with Doris’ former secretary Charlotte (Greta Granstedt). Can Doris save the company before creditors close its doors? |